The Belvior Hunt Point to Point gets the second Garthorpe race meeting of 2007 under way this coming Saturday at this popular Melton Mowbray venue.
There are seven races on a competitive card with a good entry of 140 horses. The opening race is scheduled for a 1.30pm start. Admission prices, which apply to all Garthorpe Race meetings this year are £20 per car (driver + 3), £15 per car with one occupant, £8 pedestrians, children under 16 free. Reserved car park tickets can be purchased in advance from the secretary of the meeting.
The first race, the Belvior Hunt Members, has been kindly sponsored by W.Spence and Son, Blacksmiths Ltd. and has an entry of 11. This looks quite open and it may be best to rely on Richard Armson’s mount, Hi Up Brenkley, who appears to like the course and ran a number of good races here last year.
Hiscocks are the sponsors for the Intermediate Race and this has 24 entries. Dickie Barrett, who already has eleven wins to his name this season, has the choice of the Gerald Bailey pair, True Legend and Donald Will Do. Clare Hobson won well at Cottenham last week on Scare Lotte and Whistling Straits, a decent second also deserve a mention.
Race 3 on the card is The Ladies Open Race and this has attracted some top horses in its 11 entries. Saltby Estates have kindly sponsored this race. Jill Dawson has the choice of Commanche Hero who won at Welbeck and her more recent newcomer, Sir Storm, who looks the speedier of the two. Mighty Montefalco has also won over this course and was a recent entry in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham. Danaeve, the probable mount of Sarah Phizacklea, just held off Sir Storm at the last Garthorpe meeting and another close battle looks on the cards.
Bentons Land and Estate Agents are the sponsores of the Mens Open Race and this has a good entry of 20. Ballyluski looks the form horse and has already won four times this season. He looks to have the services of champion rider, Richard Burton. However another entry, Steppes of Gold ran him close recently on this course and could turn the tables. Bedtime Boys has ran below par this season but has won Hunter Chases in the past. Nautical Lad has shown form again this season and either of these two could be the mount of Jo Docker. Richard Hunnisett’s Harapour is another winner on this course recently.
Race 5 is the Restricted and this is sponsored by The Martin Arms at Colston Bassett. This race has attracted a good field of 38. William Lyburn from the Nick Kent yard won a match at Brocklesby Park. Ballyclement was a close second at Garthorpe. Bobbin from the Bailey stable won at Horseheath and is highly thought of. Keenans Reserve who won at Eyton-on-Severn could also give a good account of himself.
The Open Maiden Race, to be run over 2 ½ miles, is for 4,5,6and 7 year olds and as this has attracted an entry of 34 the race has now been split. Division 1, the David Garner Memorial has been sponsored by Mrs David Garner and has a field of 18. Horses here of note are the Garry Hanmer trained and ridden Cheers Thank You, who ran well at Chaddesley Corbett. However, the Ninga Pollock trained, Furze Hill was a decent second at Market Rasen.
18 are also entered for Division 2 of the Open Maiden Race, run over the same distance and has kindly been sponsored by K.W.R. Plant Hire of Colsterworth. Mad Victor ran a good second at Welbeck and could go one better here. Essenbee was second in a mach at Brocklesby Park and will be supported.
The Garthorpe racecourse is situated 6 miles east of Melton Mowbray on the B676, 7 miles west of A1.
