16 May 2008 Weston & Banwell Harriers - Cothelstone
Askers Jack: completed Richard Woollacott's double in the Men's Open
Richard Woollacott rode a double at Cothelstone, taking his seasonal tally to 27 and extending his winning sequence to six after Sunday's Vauterhill four-timer.
Richard led off with Dick Westacott's Run Of Kings, who collared pacemaker Cnocan Aoibhinn (Rhys Hughes) at the last in the Restricted. "I'm delighted to ride another winner for Mr Westacott", said Richard. "He owned Sir William, who was our first winner as trainers, and he provided one of Sunday's winners, which was my first four-timer".
Askers Jack got the better of a sustained duel with Don Fernando (Ben Robarts) to complete Richard's double in the Men's Open. "Richard rang up for the ride, and I'm glad he did", smiled Askerswell farmer Graham Foot. "Askers Jack jumps a little bit left - although we've never worked out why - but this is his third course success and he's been a wonderful horse for us".
Rachael Green reduced Polly Gundry's National Championship lead to four on Castle Cazza in the Ladies Open. "Castle Cazza is in foal to Double Trigger, but she loves firm ground so I'd imagine she'll keep going for the rest of the season", said Sidmouth trainer, Monique Pike.
Nobile was a popular local winner for Crowcombe owner-rider Bryn Wright in Maiden Division I. "Bryn arrives at 6.30 am every morning to ride out, so he deserves this", said West Bagborough trainer Sue Popham. "Chris and I are moving to West Buckland next week, so this might be the last winner we turn out from our old yard".
Fairly Glorious (Ian Popham) just got the better of Embercombe (Will White) in Maiden Division II. "Just like the busses", joked owner-trainer Robert Reddaway. "We waited 25 years for a winner [Incoady] and then we have another one four days later. We bought Fairly Glorious at Ascot for 1,000gns in November 2006, and credit is due to Hatherleigh horse doctor Brigitte Skinner, who's done a lot of work with him".
Charlotte Tizzard kept up her good run on her father, Alan's, Fully Loaded in the Confined. Mister Putt was made favourite to give Polly Gundry another winner, but Fully Loaded was unchallenged throughout the final circuit.
Tom Chanin rode his second career winner on Mike Weir's Qobtaan in the Novice Riders' race. Wild Edgar (Kate Lovelace) led over the last, but Qobtaan got up close home.
Amber Dawn and Michael Miller were facile winners of the Hunt race for Wedmore trainer Richard Nicholls and co-owner Vernon White. David Luff - forever associated with top-class hunter chaser Brent Mystery - brought the curtain down on his riding career by finishing second on Hallem Hall.
The 2008 West of Somerset Championship Awards were won by Sarah Hobbs (leading owner), Darren Edwards (leading male jockey) and Rachael Green (leading lady jockey).