Zac Baker rode his 100th Point-to-Point winner on Green Winter when landing the Mixed Open at the North Cotswold Point-to-Point at Paxford on Monday afternoon, while at the opposite end of the scale 18-year-old Elliott England chalked up his first success on Robin Why Not in the Members. Despite small fields, there were several close finishes, which were enjoyed by the large crowd...
A few weeks ago, James Ridley did not think he had sufficient fire power to retain his lead in the Trainers Championship, but three more winners helped him cement his position at the top of the table and his rivals will do well to peg back the deficit. Ridley appeared to be “tilting at windmills” running 14-year-old Green Winter in the 2-1/2 mile Mixed Open when all the evidence suggested he was likely to be outpaced over this shorter distance.
Zac Baker took Green Winter to the front from the start, and previous observations looked as though they would be confirmed when the favourite Hazzaar and Largy Mountain both made a forward move with four to jump. Green Winter maintained a narrow lead approaching two out where Hazzaar began to drop away. Largy Mountain however, mounted another effort around the final bend but Green Winter showed tremendous battling qualities, took the last in front and went on to claim victory.
“Shows what I know” said Ridley afterwards “I thought he would be too slow”, while the winning jockey said after the partnership had landed their 12th win together. “Horses for courses – he just loves it here!
Everything had gone right for James King when he rode 5 winners at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday, but this time it was Zac Bakers turn in the spotlight and frustratingly for King he had to settle for three second places.
The sequence started when King’s mount Airdrigh faced Maurice Linehan’s un-raced Tufton Avenue in the 5-year-old and over Maiden. There was little between the two horses over the first circuit but Airdrigh’s preponderance to jump left did not help his cause and Zac Baker and Tufton Avenue took the lead in the home straight.
The pace increased by the old rhubarb sheds at the far end of the course but despite his in-experience Tufton Avenue maintained his lead and the partnership extended their advantage over the final two fences.
Three horses lined up for the Mares and Fillies Conditions but after the first mile Pomme de Nuit was nothing more than an interested observer with Cashmoll setting the pace, while James King kept For Rita within touching distance of the leader. The favourite took advantage when Cashmoll made a mistake at the third from home but Baker soon had the partnership on an even keel and Cashmoll was back on level terms jumping the last and quickened clear of his rival on the flat.
Murray Dodd took the ride Grove Cottage in the Novice Riders and that proved an inspired decision. Master Sunrise was still in front with half a mile to run, but both Grove Cottage and the favourite Vango de Vaige were getting into full stride and had the long-time leader in their sights. The latter led coming out of the dip towards the second from home and secured the vital inside berth on the final bend, but Dodd’s mount fought his way back into contention and was level at the last.
Both horses made blunders but Grove Cottage’s was the more serious but this was quickly shrugged off and Grove Cottage got up close home which provided Ridley with his first hattrick. He said later “Not sure how Murray survived that mistake at the last but I reckon the horse had a bit left to be able to get back up like he did”.
Will Biddick outscored James King by 2 wins to 1 on Monday to retain his lead in the National Title Race, with the latter’s win provided by Knockaderry Flyer in the Veteran Horse Conditions.
The winner defied his advancing years and put in a brave front running performance to land the spoils. Admittedly he only faced two rivals but the manner of his victory is worth recording. He set off in front, jumped superbly and bravely defied a 9 lb penalty to hold the runners up determined challenge in the home straight.
Elliott England struggled with 3 stone of lead in his weight cloth when returning to the scales after his victory on Robin Why Not in the Members. The partnership made their intentions clear by leading from flag fall. Benton’s Lead held the advantage in the home straight, but England produced his mount with a race winning run on the flat to prevail by a narrow margin to provide the 18-year Naunton based rider with his first success. He explained later “We were looking for something to give me experience riding, and it’s a great feeling riding my first winner”