Pointing returns to Bratton
Tipster DONNA HARRIS makes her winning selections for the first of three point-to-point meetings set to take place at Bratton Down on Exmoor
BRATTON Down, a jewel in the crown of point-to-point racing in Devon and Cornwall, will be welcoming spectators back to the foothills of Exmoor this weekend.
The picturesque moorland course, with its famous long uphill finish, is ready to host the first of three meetings on Sunday, as the Dulverton West Foxhounds stage their 2021-22 season fixture.
Pony racing heads up the action at 1pm, followed by the main sixrace card at 2pm. Many of the 54 entries have already been in the winners’ enclosure this season, ensuring some competitive racing.
Opening the card will be the Restricted sponsored by Eastleigh Care Homes, which has attracted 13 possible contenders. In the quest for an eighth national championship title, Will Biddick looks to have the option of either Ninth Wave or Young William (Christopher Barber) to ride. The former, also trained by Biddick, was second at Cothelstone before progressing to win at Cotley, with the latter winning by three quarters of a length at Chilfrome last month. Golly It’s Molly (Sarah Prouse) ran well in second at Vauterhill on Bank Holiday Monday, ridden that day by Jake Bament.
A well supported Maiden, which has been sponsored by Mardon Recycling, comes next with plenty of progressive horses among the 12 entries. Hold Me Tight (Ed Walker) ran a close second at Flete Park under stable jockey Chloe Emsley and Henry’s Regime (Merv Woodward) was another to finish well in second at Vauterhill earlier this month. Things look to be coming together for Flash Gorcombe (Nikki Frost) after his second at the Devon and Somerset Staghounds’ new South Hill course on May 1.
Three entries have been received for the P J Hobbs Conditions race and Sykes stands out for trainer Nicky Martin and jockey Darren Edwards. The 13-year-old has already won four times this season, with his most recent victory being at South Hill.
In the P J Brend and Saunton Sands-sponsored Mixed Open over four miles there are several outside raiders among the 10 entries, including former National Hunt and prolific pointing winner Southfield
Theatre (Sara Bradstock). Now aged 14, this King’s Theatre gelding owned and bred by Angela Yeoman has given jockey Lily Bradstock a total of 14 point-to-point career wins on top of his form under rules, which includes the Grade 2 Rising Stars Novice Chase at Wincanton in 2014 and a second in the RSA Chase at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival when trained by Paul Nicholls.
Another 14-year-old in the shape of Spencer Moon (Luke Price) has won three times this season in the hands of James King and could be the main one to take on Southfield Theatre. However Hawkhurst (Alan Hill) shouldn’t be left out of this, with an impressive 16 wins to his credit and last seen finishing second to Captain Buck’s at Mollington.
Holding Devon and Cornwall’s hopes could be the nine-year-old Don’t Ask Us (Keith Cumings), another Vauterhill winner.
Nobodydoesitbetter (Andrew Jackon) looks to be one of the likely favourites for the following Coxleigh
Barton and The Wright Propertysponsored Members Conditions on the back of his Buckfastleigh and Cothelstone wins, with Will Biddick booked to take the ride. They could be challenged by Cotley winner Mr Dick (Jason Warner) who should appreciate the faster ground but will need to defy top weight.
Closing the day will be the James Pryce Tractors Intermediate in which Dr Rhythm’s (Keith Cumings) connections will be hoping for some better luck after his unfortunate unseat at Upcott Cross last week (see report right). Clever Des Assence (Laura Jones) could also go close after his win at Vauterhill.
Bratton Down (EX31 4SG) is located at Bratton Fleming, nine miles north east of Barnstaple on the A399 and 11 miles north of South Molton. Entry to the course is £15 per person which includes a race card. Children aged under 16 enter free. On course facilities include hot and cold refreshments, bar, bookmakers and trade stands.
For further information, please visit www.pointingdc.co.uk.