The Golden Valley Hunt Point-to-Point supporters were determined that their meeting should be a fitting finale to the Welsh Border Area season, and pulled out all the stops to ensure that was the case. They garnered new sponsors, plus support from the PPORA, then concentrated on providing good racing ground. Their busy watering programme resulted in going that was good, good-to-firm in places and a very decent afternoon of sport.
Sarah Oliver's Green Winter (Zac Baker) headed the four runners as they set sail for the Men's Open, jumping well. They were joined by the favourite, Now Ben (Alex Edwards), two fences from home, coasting well clear of Walkabout Creek (Ben Jones) and In The Dock (James Jeavons). Approaching the last, it looked as if the Rowley stable were about to clock up another winner, as Now Ben landed clear, but Baker urged Green Winter to call on his incredible stamina, and with a final courageous burst up the short run-in, drew level and stuck his head out right on the line. This brave victory ensured that Green Winter retained his title as Leading Horse in the area, and was the first leg of a splendid double for the James Ridley/Sarah Oliver/Zac Baker team, who also won the Jockey Club Mares' Maiden with the promising Cashmoll.
Ben Jones teamed up with trainer Amber Mathias for another fine double, as Beni Light characteristically breezed home unchallenged in the Restricted, while Midnight Folie was equally impressive in the PPORA Club Members' Conditions Race, scooting 20 lengths clear of the useful King Willie (Lorna Brooke), who in turn was 15 lengths ahead of the rest.
Bookmakers made three horses joint-favourites in the six-runner Ladies' Open. One of them, the quirky Tiger Rag (Anna Lewis), made the running until throwing in the towel after a circuit, possibly distracted by the antics of the loose Beneficial Joe. The accomplished Patricktom Boru (Jodie Hughes) took over control, giving an exemplary display of jumping, to coast to victory. Chu Chu Percy (Alice Stephens) gave chase, but never got on terms with the winner.
Patrick Sankey, having been placed on his own Galbally King a couple of times this season, finally got his glory when the game 14-year-old outgunned the much-younger Buffalo Sabre (Alice Stephens) in the opening Members' Race, overturning the favourite Buffalo Sabre in the process.
There was a dramatic finish to the Open Maiden for seven-year-olds-and-over, with Jake Slatter's charge Waterloo Warrior (James King) and Loodeen (Charlie Dando) heading the long-time leader Benim three from home and duelling grimly. Loodeen led at the last, but Waterloo Warrior rallied bravely to snatch victory in the final stride.
Pony racing, efficiently organised by the splendid Pauline Duggan, made a welcome return to Bredwardine, with two fully-subscribed races. Edward Vaughan, son of trainer Tim, partnered a stylish double, taking the 138cm event with Little Replacement, and the 148cm heat with the eye-catching grey mare, White Water.
The Golden Valley supporters, who worked so hard at providing a full card of good racing, can now congratulate themselves on having delivered, despite the rapidly-firming conditions. Well done, team!