Dartmoor
Flete Park
Saturday 21st April 2007
by Lucy Johnson

WE’VE been blessed with weeks of fine weather but it has been to the detriment of racing with hard ground necessitating watering. But jockeys, trainers and owners were unanimous in their verdict that organisers of the Dartmoor Point to Point at Flete on Saturday had done a superb job on the course to produce safe ground for racing.

Dave Wookie, who assists clerk of the course Bruce Crawford, said: “We started watering on Monday but it didn’t actually penetrate until the day before which shows how hard the ground has become. We will keep watering as necessary for the next two weeks to ensure we have good going at the next meeting on Saturday, May 5.”

Patience paid off for Lynette Avery who had every faith Umista would one day come right after springing a rib two seasons ago jumping out of soft ground. She duly landed a gamble for connections in the restricted taking up the running three out and battling on gamely to hold off Run of Kings on the run in. Trainer Emma Oliver said: “We knew she was well – she picked me up by my back in the box this morning! Mark (Munrowd) gave her a super ride and they’ve done a marvellous job on the course too.”

Neil Harris was another to express his delight with the ground after he won the four mile men’s open on Frontenac. “They’ve done a tremendous job and full credit to them because this is what we need,” he said.

The 12 year old, who has been consistent this season without managing to get his nose in front, was always in command and travelled well. Trainer Mandy Hand, who owns him with her husband Reg, said: “He was happy because he could dominate the race at his own pace.”

Graham Brown’s Grey Ciseaux proved once again his liking for a bit of sun on his back, winning the ladies’ open in fine style under his trainer Lucy Gardner.

Toi Express was odds on to land the confined but after he slipped up on the bend it left it a two horse race with Pertemps Profile putting up an exhibition round and coming home the easy winner under Will Biddick. Trainer Linda Blackford, who has enjoyed a recent run of good form, said: “We had a bug in the year earlier in the season. I’m delighted for the horse as he has been very consistent.” Also delighted were his group of owners Terry Wheatly, Neil Bryant, Rob Pitcher, Laurie Delmel and Nicholas Littlejohn.

Another trainer enjoying a good run is Gordon Chambers who saddled Joli Christmas to win the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate series for his owners Exeter Racecourse.

Exeter’s clerk of the course Barry Johnson and assistant manager Vicki Robinson were on hand to present the prize – to themselves. It was a good performance from the gelding who recorded the fastest time of the day and put himself in the picture for the final at Exeter on Wednesday, May 16.

Tessa Hayes was out on her own on Dutch Bill who proved to good for the rest in the maiden which he won by a distance. Owned and trained by Katherine Northcott, who uses Dartmoor to get him fit, the six year old was bought at Cheltenham Sales two seasons ago and was having his first appearance this season.

Three went to post in the opening members’ race and they went a steady pace until four out when Jalons Star jumped into the lead and kept up the pace to win very easily.

Members: Jalons Star (Ben Robarts) 1; Lisheen Storm (Tim Dennis) 2; Qobtaan (Richard Darke) 3. 10l; 2 ½ l; 6m48s.

The Totnes and Bridgetown Races Co. Restricted Race: Umista (Mark Munrowd) 1; Run of Kings (Richard Woollacott) 2; Riteway Round (Will Biddick) 3. 1/2l; 10l; 6.40.

The Lord Mildmay of Flete Memorial Men’s Open Four Mile Race: Frontenac (Neil Harris) 1; Bucket Awl (Richard Woollacott) 2; Isou (Richard Darke) 3. 2 ½ l, dist. 8.11.

The Nash & Co Ladies’ Open Race: Grey Ciseaux (Lucy Gardner) 1; The Flyer (Sarah Gaisford) 2; Get Smart (Becky Barnett) 3. 8l; 7l; 6.40.

The Rodgers of Plymouth Confined Hunts Race: Pertemps Profile (Will Biddick) 1; Duel Island (Mr S Parish) 2 finished. Distance 7.01.

The Exeter Racecourse Intermediate: Joli Christmas (William White) 1; Sanderstead (Neil Harris) 2; Little Apple Bay (Richard Darke) 3. 15l, dist; 6.39.

The Francis Clark Confined Maiden: Dutch Bill (Tessa Hayes) 1; Grey Wizard 2; Sharp Tor (Richard Darke) 3. Dist, ½ 6.47