Point-to-point season starts this weekend

AFTER enjoying one of the longest summers for many decades, it is time to dig out some warm clothing, welly boots and picnics, while enjoying the start of the new point-to-point horse racing season.

The historic racecourse at Buckfastleigh is the location for the opening event, where the Silverton & Mid Devon will stage their meeting tomorrow.

There are six races on offer attracting 70 entries, with a start time of noon.

Local trainer Claire Wonnacott, based only a few miles from the track, has entered Heaney in the Heltor-sponsored Conditions race, with her daughter Millie set to take the ride. Millie now works for Neil Mulholland, and recently saddled her first winner under Rules when riding Ladies

Dancing for Chris Down. Wins for Heaney last season came at Flete Park and Wadebridge, before finishing his campaign with a head-second at Upcott Cross.

Portrait King is another entry to consider in the Conditions race. Now a veteran, he has some good National Hunt form to his credit including a third in the Topham at Aintree.

Previous course winner Navanman, from the John Head team, looks a likely favourite in the Mixed Open race, which has attracted 11 entries.

Local jockey, Hannah Welch, has O Maonlai entered. A runner-up in two hunter chases in the spring, he could provide the family with a win here.

The two Open Maiden races have been well supported.

Trainer Joe Tickle has a cracking strike rate with maidens and holds two entries in the first – Robin Why Not who was a runner-up here last season and George’s Legacy, another to have gone close on two occasions.

Banco De Logos, a new recruit for Dean Summersby, could go well in the second Open Maiden race. Previously trained by Seamus Mullins, on his last run at Towcester in March he finished second.

Exeter Racecourse sponsors the Intermediate which looks competitive. In addition there is a Connollys Red Mills Series Final entry up for grabs for the first two past the post. Outside raider Ballycahane will have to defy top weight to figure here, while Bubbles Arcade could be high in the betting having won a bumper at Newton Abbot and two point-to-points at Wadebridge. Pointview Gale is one from the Woollacott yard, with the pointers now under the charge of longterm stable hand, Neil McLean.

Local trainer, Gordon Chambers, has Predestined entered in the Royal Seven Stars Hotel-sponsored Restricted race and will be hopeful of a good run, alongside Raloo Rocket for Dean Summersby who is another expected to be well-fancied on the day.

Check out the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Association website.