14 April 2010 Preview: Ystrad Taf Fechan - Ystradowen
by Brian Lee
There are 21 entries for the John Lovell Memorial Mens Open race - the South Wales Area Feature Race - at the Ystrad Taf Fechan Point-To-Point Steeplechases at Ystradowen, near Cowbridge, on Saturday.
John Lovell was the legendary Cardiff bookmaker who brought computerised betting to the UK and the first bookmaker to use his computer at a Point-to-Point. He was also the first bookmaker in Wales to open a two-in-one betting shop with traditional betting facilites alongside a trading room where punters could bet on computers. A keen huntracing enthusiast, who was exceptionally supportive of the sport, John was tragically killed in a motoring accident in April 2008.
Dubbed 'King of the Bookies', he was chairman of the South and West Wales Point-to-Point Bookmakers Association and had been involved in the world of horse racing for almost half-a-century. The son of a Cardiff Docks boilermaker, he preferred to go Point-to-Pointing rather than under Rules racing, claiming that the sport had lost its buzz.
Of the 21 entries for this race, the French-bred Misamon, who took the Mixed Open at the West Wales Area meeting on Sunday, looks best. Mrs Jodie Pearn's Florida Hall, a winner over the course last Saturday, Lord Of Illusion, Warsaw Pact and Turbulance are others to be considered.
With £500 to the winner, £300 to the second, £150 to the third and £50 to the fourth, the race should attract a good field.
There are twelve down to run in the Ladies Open for the Mandryka Challenge Trophy and the prolific Lady Myfanwy has recent winner Grey Kid and Made In France to beat.
Of the ten entries for the Members, Chesnut Annie and Frenchfurze Lad, who lost his maiden tag over the course last weekend, stand out. The first of the seven races start at 2pm.
