REVIEW
TETCOTT
TREBUDANNON
Sunday 14th May 2006
by Lucy Johnson
Coral Bay ’s convincing victory
in the Restricted provided the most fitting result at Trebudannon,
writes Granville Taylor. The eight-year-old gelding was running for
the executors of the late John Weldhen, whose death early this year
robbed West Country point-to-pointing of one of its staunchest
supporters over the years.
John built the Trebudannon course on his farm
and this picturesque venue has become established as one of the
best local tracks since it was first used six years ago.
“Father never had a winner on his own course” said his
son Rundle after Coral Bay’s success, and the family received
a warm reception as Coral Bay, the mount of Will Biddick, was led
in.
Lucy Gardner has ridden more winners at the
track than any other jockey and added another couple on Sunday in
between another bone crushing fall. Tyre Hill Lilly gave her an
armchair ride when following up last month’s course win in
the Confined. “She found an extra gear today and felt better
than ever” said Lucy of the consistent nine year old.
Lucy’s double was completed by Mr
Lehman in the second division of the Maiden. Lucinda Tylor’s
seven year old was never headed and drew away from Roy My Boy in
the home straight to win comfortably by five lengths.
The downside of this game was well
illustrated in the first Maiden. On this occasion Lucy brought her
mount Lady Purton to challenge the long time leader Ballyclare on
the home bend, but the 5 year old, making only her second race
course appearance, got very tired in the home straight and suffered
a crashing fall at the last when chasing the leader. The mare and
her jockey lay prostrate for some time, but fortunately there was
no lasting damage. The eventual winner Ballyclare, an improving
five year old, was bought by his owner Lady Earle at Doncaster last
November, and was the 12 th winner of the season for his trainer
Emely Thompson. Jockey Richard Woollacott was capping a fine
weekend, having notched a double at Holnicote on the previous
day.
The Open races produced small fields. In the
Men’s event, 14 year old Springford made all the running in
the hands of Dominic Alers-Hankey, easily holding Martin House and
Baldhu Jay Arr. Only two went to post for the Ladies’ where
Let’s Fly and Polly Gundry proved too good for Grey Ciseaux.
Ross Oliver’s Let’s Fly loves this track and has now
won at all three Trebudannon meetings this year.
Marilyn Scudamore brought Selassie on a four
hours journey from Herefordshire to take the Novice Riders
Intermediate. Yet another odds on favourite to succeed (five won
during the afternoon), Selassie led from the fifth fence to give
Charlie Wallis his 2 nd point-to-point winner of the season to add
to his winner under rules for Martin Pipe. The 19 year old was
recommended to Mrs Scudamore by her son Tom, who of course is
associated with the stable now operated by David Pipe.
Queen Boudicca failed to justify her odds on
status in the Hunt race. The mare continually jumped to the right
until ducking out at the 6 th obstacle, leaving sole rival Lago Di
Levico to land the spoils under Lee Rowe. The winner was giving
owners Geoffrey and Amanda Wood their first success with the first
racehorse they have owned and trained. The gelding, who had won on
the flat and over hurdles in his younger days, was bought at Ascot
sales last November.
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