A dry Spring has resulted in many Point to Points struggling to produce satisfactory ground conditions which has impacted on the number of runners. However, under the expert guidance of Cothelstone Clerk of the Course, Nigel Payne, the final Wessex meeting of the season run under the banner of the Weston and Banwell and West Somerset Vale, was in the enviable position of posting a creditable 37 runners on the evening. A double for jockey/trainer combination of Robbie David and Harry Ryall, another win for National Novice Champion elect, Rian Corcoran and good value for punters with only one outright favourite winning ensured an excellent night’s racing.
The opening Conditions race was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for Bob Butler’s Scoresby who won three times last season for Robbie David and Harry Ryall but had failed to add to that tally this season. With only one opponent, Scoresby really looked to enjoy himself as he made the running and some good jumping meant that Josh Newman on Walk in The Wild had to accept defeat as the winner cruised to an easy 19 length victory. Robbie sheepishly said afterwards, “I hold my hands up and admit that he should have won earlier in the season but I made mistakes, the worst of which came at Badbury Rings when I came off.”
The second winner for their team came in the following race when Pebble Rebel took the young Maiden in impressive fashion and she looks like a very decent prospect. With 8 sent to post, this looked a good race on looks in the paddock but the winner had 12 lengths to spare over favourite Silver Fish at the line indicating she has a bright future. Owned by Tacky MacGregor since she bought her cheaply as a yearling, she sent her to Harry after finding it hard to train her at home on her own admitting she wasn’t the easiest to deal with. Harry has only had the mare for 8 weeks and is continuing to prove what an able trainer he is while Robbie had been hugely confident that she would win by at least a fence.
Rian Corcoran should always be followed in Novice Riders races and it was even more apparent here as he judged the race to perfection despite Kauto Riko setting a fierce pace being 20 lengths clear at one point. Sitting quietly in third on Jubertilee, Rian had the leader in his sights and with the favourite Acey Milan jumping right, he bided his time to quicken clear of eventual second Kauto Riko with Acey Milan back in third. Dean Summersby representing wife Emma said, “I think the plan will now be to go under Rules with him as he’s loved this quicker ground and that’s the best he’s ever run.” Owner Mike Bickell was thrilled and said “I hadn’t really expected him to win here but Rian has ridden a great race on him.” Rian and Emma Summersby also took the Men’s Open with Lakota Warrior which was a walkover.
Mike Felton could be regarded as Pointing Royalty having been Champion Jockey three times with his first winner coming back in 1978 and now training a few, his Boys Will Be Boys supplemented a win on quick ground at Bratton Down last season with an easy win in the Restricted race under Freddie Philipson-Stow. This was possibly made easier when rival Rocky Creed slipped up on the last bend when looking like having a chance. Mike’s wife Lucy said “He really loves this sunshine and is thriving now we have treated him for ulcers. He’s a bit of a lad so you really have to get into his brain!” Mike thought he could run again possibly returning to Bratton Down but it would depend on some rain there.
The Ladies Open was run at a fast pace and went to Soldier of Destiny who quickly bounced out and gave a bold front running display for jockey Megan Bevan to win by the run-in after favourite Ninth Wave was another to slip on the bend. A beaming Megan said “He is just so much fun to ride as he loves his jumping!” Soldier of Destiny is now back with Mark Quinlan who trained him initially to win on his UK pointing debut back in 2021. Mark said,” We know he’s such a good horse but everything has to go right for him. He went to Jamie Snowden where he won twice under Rules but when Jamie offered him back to me at the end of last season, I knew it made sense. The plan now is to put him away for the season, then bring him back to hopefully qualify for the Aintree Foxhunters as he would love both the fences and ground there.”
The final race of the night went to favourite Testflight under James Shaw as they took the longer Maiden for trainer Lucy Gardner despite Middleton Fox trying to mount a challenge under Josh Newman. A good jump at the last sealed victory for them and they came away to win by 4 lengths. A frustrating number of placed efforts when trained under Rules by Lucy’s mother, Sue, it was decided to give him a spell pointing to give him some confidence. Lucy explained “He should have won last time at Vauterhill but parted company with James three out when in front,” while a delighted Sue said, “He’s such a lovely horse who’s not over big so I was worried that he might struggle to carry the weight. He just loves this quicker ground and there’s a possibility he may go to Bratton or we could go back summer jumping under Rules with him.”