THE Dunsmore Racing Club has the honour of opening the new point-to-point season in the West Country on Sunday November 10th
Competitive racing is assured at the Dunsmore track on a card featuring six races, with the first event scheduled for 12.30pm
A highlight of the day will be the Keagan Kirkby Remembrance Conditions race for Grass Roots riders who have ridden fewer than 20 winners, kindly sponsored by Paul Nicholls Racing Ltd, with proceeds of the race going to the charity “Friends of young carers in the Bath & NE Somerset area” thereby recognising Keagan’s own devotion in this respect.
Duc De Bourbon would be a fitting winner from the Sam Loxton yard and would have a chance if reproducing his Milborne form in January. Call Simon would be a popular local winner but has to shoulder a 5lbs penalty. Longshanks is also penalised. He goes well fresh and won this event last year. Emma Summersby saddles Lakota Warrior who got his act together late last season and is the mount of the talented Rian Corcoran. Kayf Hernando has some useful form under rules but disappointed last season and changed hands cheaply afterwards. The Composeur is inconsistent but scored on his seasonal debut last year. Fitness wil be all important and I will side with Lakota Warrior
The Goffs four-year-olds only Maiden opens proceedings. There is very little form to go on, but Will Biddick’s well bred Vol Royale showed promise on his debut at Kimble in soft ground in March and is given the vote. The Fran Poste trained Taymount and Dropmeatthestation, stabled with Georgina Ellis, would enter calculations, but are both entered at Knightwick on the previous day.
The Exeter Racecourse Intermediate (The Haldon Gold Cup is at at Exeter on Friday)
Michael Kehoe’s Bicester gelding Paper Mill has developed into a useful pointer and ran well on his hunter chase debut at Cheltenham In May. This progressive eight-year-old is taken to open his seasonal account. King Orry is in a good yard and was not disgraced in a couple of hunter chases last season. Holiday Fund won on a sound surface at Bratton Down in June and will have the assistance of Josh Newman.
The Mixed Open, sponsored by A & S Paving Ld
Jumps and flat come alike to Humaniste who has been a terrific servant to the Danni Kenealy team. He took his winning tally into double figures at Vauterhill, but can have his off day (can’t we all), but Will Biddick generally gets the best out of him. Myth Buster is a strong stayer who rounded off last season with a win at Kingston Blount. Call Simon, Duc De Bourbon and Longshanks hold alternative engagements but I will take a chance with Tip Top Mountain who has recently joined the Josh Newman yard. He has lost his form a bit lately after seven career successes under rules, but could well be rejuvenated with a spell of point-to-pointing.
The Restricted is sponsored by SFJ Yeandle Contracting & Stuart Luxton Plant Hire
Five-year-old Summer Jam struggled last season after running well at Chipley Park. Holiday Fund has the option of this race and merits respect. Finding Freedom struggles to get the trip but is in good hands. However, I will side with the mare Emberscombe who will strip fit after her summer jumping campaign.
Heltor Oil Maiden
Whatchagotder flattered to deceive more than once last season. Although he managed a trio of places, his capitulation at Umberleigh is still fresh in the mind. Silent Venture and Shuile Warrior gained experience in bumpers and El Capitaine looks the best of the Newman duo. I expect Far Out West to be well tuned up. He was placed in Irish Maidens and has joined Will Biddick’s yard. A cautious approach is recommended with 15 lightly raced maidens in the entry list
The course is located at Dunsmore, Silverton, EX5 4DU, signed off the A3072 and A396.
Entrance fee for public: £15 / person. Under 16s free entry. Race cards: £3
Cash and card taken on site. No advance ticket purchase facility is available for this meeting.
Licenced bar, refreshments, and bookmakers on site.
Additional trade stands - featuring - POSH country clothing, Farmer's Friend clothing and accessories, The Liquorice sweet shop, Exe Valley Farm Shop, Stuart Luxton Plant Hire, Compass automotive, Westcountry Videos, Livery Dole, Caroline Taverner Beeswax candles and gifts, Funtasia bouncy castle / inflatable fun and possibly the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Minutes silence at 11am to mark Remembrance Sunday.
No planned roadworks in the area. Access to site via the A3072 (Exeter to Tiverton main road) signposted from main road to venue.
What3words for venue entrance: ///durations.depravity.suppers