06 May 2008 Devon & Somerset Staghounds - Holnicote
Brown Cockle: one of two winners at the meeting for Rachael Green
Rachael Green, who had ridden her 100th Point-to-Point winner a week earlier, continued her good run with a double for her boss, Richard Barber, at Holnicote. Rachael led off in the Ladies' Open with Brown Cockle, who just got the better of market rival Croix De Guerre (Katherine Hobbs) after a tremendous race long duel. "That was brilliant training and brilliant riding", said Beaminster owner, Bill Dupont. "I don't know where he'll run next, but Brown Cockle keeps on giving me lots of fun".
The winner could have run in the 4-mile Modbury Harriers Ladies Open at Flete Park. "But we couldn't afford the diesel to go there", smiled Richard. Rachael reached the 26-winner mark - still three behind Polly Gundry in the National table - on Barneys Mate in the Restricted.
So Long registered her fifth win of the season in the Hunt race, although the mare broke down at the last and was immediately dismounted by Neil Harris after crossing the line. "I hope she'll be able to run again", said Brompton Regis trainer Camilla Scott, "but if not, she'll be a fine broodmare".
The Intermediate went to 25/1 Sweet Shooter, who surged clear after the second last for Richard and Sarah Hawker. "She stays well, loves soft ground, and if all's well, she'll take her chance in the Wessex Area Champion Hunter Chase at Wincanton on Thursday", said Richard.
Approaching the last, Callitwatulike appeared to have the Confined in safekeeping, but he slipped and almost dislodged Darren Edwards, who performed acrobatics to stay in the plate. Canada and Richard Ross seized their chance, getting up in the dying strides to the relief of favourite backers.
The Nyland Partnership was celebrating after Barney Blue's comfortable Men's Open success. A 15th winner of the season for rider Ryan Bliss, Barney Blue joined leader Lord Alphieross (Russell Ross) at the penultimate and had little trouble forging clear.
There were more jubilant scenes after the Julie Pocock-trained Hope's Eternal (Sam Allwood) headed Miss Razzmatazz (Ryan Bliss) on the line in Maiden Division I. "We bought him privately from Chris Popham last summer. We're members of the Devon & Somerset and Quantock Staghounds Hunts, he's our first horse, our first winner, and it's great", beamed Andy Pollard, head of the 10-strong Habba Habba Club.
Home Chat took Maiden division II under a fine ride from Rilly Goschen, who bided her time before leading in the far corner. "She was a private purchase last September", explained trainer Victoria Collins, now on the four-winner mark and contemplating a happy journey home to Hampshire.