Llangeinor Pentyrch at Pyle 31st October 2021
Bradley Gibbs threw down the gauntlet to his championship rivals by riding a treble at the season opener at Dunraven Stud on Saturday. Bradley, who had travelled through torrential rain from his Hertfordshire base to get to the track, enjoyed being back on “home” turf and riding in a Welsh Point-to-Point. There was something of a party atmosphere at the meeting; despite the wind, rain, mud, and the marquees clinging to the turf for dear life, the crowd were in high spirits. Picnics were in evidence although the rearranged course map did not leave an option for watching racing from the comfort of the car. Great praise must be given to Judith and Jonathan Tudor, David Brace O.B.E and all the other stalwarts of this popular hunt who were determined that the meeting should go ahead. Cars were parked across the road from the track and horseboxes on the yard of Dunraven Stud itself. This meant a brisk uphill walk for handlers; but all were so glad to be back racing on Welsh soil that no one cared.
The opening contest the Four- and Five-Year-Old Maiden, and the first of the Gibbs’ treble, saw two horses carrying the colours of David Brace vying for the lead coming to the home straight. It was the aptly named Patch Me Up who emerged the victor as River Llynfi came down at the last. Patch Me Up is owned jointly by David Brace and Roger and Sue Wilcox and family, who expressed an interest in a share after losing Patch Me Up’s talented sibling Wilcox and Co. Patch Me Up was the cause of an extended stay in hospital to mend numerous broken bones for Stephen “Snickers” Parkhouse. Snickers loyalty remains strong to the five-year-old however as he was shouting the horse home while still walking on crutches. It was this race that saw the performance of the day from Scott Malson who despite losing an iron at the second decided to complete the race with no irons at all and steered Skating Away home for third spot.
The second leg of the Gibbs’ treble came in the form of a facile victory for Post No Bills in the Restricted, trained by Bradley and owned by Nathan Pyne. Post No Bills is a promising youngster and needs to be commended for keeping his concentration when left alone on the final circuit.
The closing race of the day the Conditions (Level 3) saw Bradley return to the winner’s enclosure once more on Johnnie Phillips’ Chimes of Dylan. The eight-year-old, trained by Robbie Llewellyn, who when not training winners supplies horses for film sets, was kept settled at the back of the field until being allowed to cruise into the lead in the closing stages.
Oxfordshire based Izzy Marshall who rides out for Alan Hill, used her knowledge of Hawkhurst to full effect as she cajoled him into the winners’ spot of the Mixed Open. Hawkhurst who was described by trainer’s wife Lawney as “able to throw the towel in very quickly” is a tricky customer who cannot get his head in front too soon. Recall man James Tudor, former National Champion, claims he would even lay down his flag and get back in the saddle for a spin on the quirky but talented gelding. However, it has to be said that Hawkhurst’s task was made easier by the departure of Mr Caffrey, who had led from flag fall giving Fred Phillipston-Stow a tremendous first ride before coming to grief at the last.
The Hill stable had claimed the winners spot in the Six-Year-Old and over Maiden also with Sean O’Conner bringing home Bucaneros on his first Point-to-Point ride. Sean has had some experience in “Bumper” races, but this was his first spin in a Point-to-Point.
It was a day it seems for emerging talent as the Novice Riders was claimed by twenty-nine-year-old aircraft technician Evan Griffith on his own Kelvingrove. Evan rides for trainer Grace Harries so will have been well prepared for his first outing. Bucaneros seems capable of providing Evan with more winners as the season progresses.
A poignant moment during the course of the afternoon was the minutes silence held in memory of Eirlys Thomas. Eirlys was a long-term supporter of Point-to-Point racing in Wales and of the Hunt in general. She once claimed the Welsh ladies title with Orange Pip despite never actually winning a race; but accumulating points in places. She will be missed on the Welsh scene and by all who knew her.