Decent Spring weather, good ground conditions and some exciting racing added spice when the Quorn Hunt held their Point to Point meeting at Garthorpe on Sunday 22nd April. Following intensive watering during the last few days ground conditions were considered near perfect.
Two Pony races, sponsored by S.L.B. Supplies were run prior to the Point to Point racing.
The opening race, The Quorn Hunt Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race, kindly sponsored by Mr & Mrs Harold Morton, attracted a field of five. Recent winner Protagonist, was a warm favourite and well ridden by Hanna Watson, the nine year old was soon in command and held off challenges from both Present Moment and Kim Buck.
Christopher Scotney, Designerwear Stores and Mr & Mrs P.Hewitt sponsored the second race, The Mens Open, run over 3 miles 4 furlongs. This race produced a close finish when outsider, Unleash, held a head advantage at the line from the Gerald Bailey trained, Arnold Layne, who had previously won his last three races. The Joe Docker ridden, Nautical Lad took third place. The winner here is now eligible to run in the £10,000 Volkswagen Touareg Championship H.C. Final at Towcester on 14th May.
Only four horses turned out for The Ladies Open Race, sponsored by Robert Whowell & Partners, Chartered Accountants. This was an easy win for the Jill Dawson ridden Commanche Hero, a useful pointer over the last few seasons. However Jill’s task was made easier when jockey, Clare Allen took her mount, Quarter Masters, the wrong side of a marker and ran out.
Six Hills Golf Course sponsored the Open Maiden Race, for 4,5,6 and 7 year olds and run over 2 ½ miles. Eleven horses went to post. This race went to Firion King. Well ridden by Mica Woods, the seven year old made every yard of the running, winning by an easy four lengths. Rootheday and Little Fountain took the minor placings.
The fifth race was The Restricted Race and attracted a field of eleven. This race was run in the fastest time of the day and went to the Dickie Barrett ridden, It Plays Itself, an eight year old from the North Cotswold. The winner took up the running going to the final fence and just got the better of Fusion Of Tunes, who had been prominent throughout. Town & Country Products kindly sponsored this race.
William Hercock sponsored the final race, The Open Maiden Race and eight horses went to post. Pytchley horse, Regal Custom, was a warm order with the bookmakers and under Stuart Morris made all of the running and just held off a strong challenge from Patrick Millington on his Fernie gelding, Dromin. Irishtown Leader finished a length away third.
This Quorn meeting was the third of five meetings to be held at Garthorpe this season and plays an important part in the Garthorpe Riders Championship – 2007 Awards with points scored for wins and placings in all races at the course. Stuart Morris (with 12 points) and Dickie Barrett (11) at present lead the field. This competition is sponsored by The Crown & Plough of Long Clawson.
Two Charity Flat races took place immediately following the final race. Both divisions being sponsored by Fisher German.
