MIDLANDS AREA
NEWS
Garthorpe Course Preview 2013
The popular Leicestershire Point-to-Point course at Garthorpe is set to stage five days of horseracing once again in 2013. Since the final meeting of last season in May last year there have been a number of improvements to the facilities at the track which is widely acknowledged as one of the finest venues for Point-to-Pointing in the country.
Firstly the weighing room complex has been refurbished and includes a new Jockey's Medical room inside, in addition to a new number board outside. The fences on the course are now all portable except the open ditch, to allow movement during the season. New and additional irrigation equipment has been purchased to deliver even more consistent ground and the best possible going throughout the season from March through to June. Clerk of the Course Brian Crawford reports that the track is in excellent condition, and he and his team are looking forward to the new season.
Punters at Garthorpe have the choice of the bookmakers or the Tote for betting purposes and The Grumpy Huntsman licenced bar will once again be open. There is always a large selection of trade stands and refreshment stalls in attendance in addition to the usual children's play area. The races are a very popular family day out and the ideal venue for a picnic.
The Meynell Point-to-Point will conclude with the Finals of the Point-to-Point Authority's Pony Racing Series that runs throughout the season. Garthorpe now has a website; www.garthorpe.org.uk and a Facebook page.
Dates for your diary
Sunday 3rd March – The Cottesmore Point- to -Point – first race 12noon
Sunday 24th March – The Belvoir Point-to-Point – first race 1.30pm
Sunday 21st April – The Quorn Point-to-Point – first race 1.00pm
Sunday 12th May – The Melton Hunts Club Point-to-Point – first race 2.00pm
Sunday 2nd June – The Meynell & South Staffordshire Point-to-Point – first race 1.30pm
Garthorpe is situated on the B676, 6 miles east of Melton Mowbray and 7 miles west of the A1. For those with satellite navigation systems the postcode is LE14 2RS.
2012 Season
by Emma Forman (Midlands Area Press Officer)
The Midlands Area season gets underway on Sunday 22nd January 2012 with the Burton fixture at North Carlton. Fourteen fixtures have been planned in the area; the season ends with The Melton Hunts Club on Saturday 12th May.
Once again D. & M. Barthorpe (Electrical Contractors) are kindly sponsoring the Midlands Area Point-to-Point Championships. These awards will be presented on Sunday 17th June at The Shearsby Bath Hotel, Shearsby.
Here is a small selection of Midlands Area horses that may be worth following in the months ahead.
Dontupsettherhythm (IRE)
7 b/br g Anshan – Whatalady
Milson Robinson (Simon Robinson) -
Burton
Dontupsettherhythm won a Maiden Point-to-Point in Ireland in 2010. He was then purchased at the Doncaster August Sales by the Robinson family who put him in training with Charles Pogson. Dontupsettherythm was placed in several bumpers in the autumn of 2011 and a novice hurdle race in the spring of 2011. He should be able to regain winning form in Restricted Point-to-Points and may be able to score at North Carlton where owner Milson Robinson has enjoyed 5 winners since racing began there in 2009.
Essex (IRE)
12 b g Saddler's Wells – Knight's Baroness
Laurence Kirkby -
Brocklesby
Essex has enjoyed a successful career under rules winning 2 flat races, 6 hurdle races and 1 chase. He was sourced in Ireland for Chloe Kirkby to ride in Ladies Races. 21 year old Chloe gained her initial success riding Essennbee to win a Maiden race at Garthorpe in 2010. The whole Kirkby family are involved; Chloe's sisters May and Rachel help out with the qualifying and leading up. Hopefully Essex will provide them with some fun; if he retains some of his old ability and enthusiasm he could prove very successful in Point-to-Points. Essex acts on any going and a first outing in January is on the cards.
Galway Jack (IRE)
7 b g Witness Box – Cooldalus
Mrs Margaret Moody (Gerald Bailey) -
Pytchley
Galway Jack progressed impressively through the ranks last season. He won the Intermediate race at the South Wold in the fastest time of the day and ended his season by beating Mendo in the Confined at the Pytchley meeting in another fast time. This is the horse leading Midlands Area rider Johnny Bailey is most looking forward to; "He is a smart horse and I think if he trains on he will be even better in 2012." He said. Galway Jack is likely to start in Men's Open races before moving on to Novice Hunter Chases. He is a very exciting prospect.
Jimsun
5 b g Desert Sun – Litany
James Henderson (Antonia Bealby) -
Belvoir
Jimsun has had one run in a bumper in October for experience and is pleasing connections at home. Bred by owner James Henderson, his dam Litany won four races on the flat. He is a half- brother to Canticle who was unbeaten in 3 Point-to-Points in 2010. George Henderson was the leading rider at Garthorpe last season and this horse could well add to his tally on that course. George has enjoyed travelling to South America, Columbia and Peru during the closed season and has now settled into University life. He is however concerned about losing rides this year; "My younger brother Frederick will also be riding so the competition will be high." He said.
Panama Canal (IRE)
7 b g Accordion – Maltese Lady
Milson Robinson (Simon Robinson) -
Burton
The Robinson family also have Panama Canal reverting to Point-to-Points following a spell under rules. This gelding was placed in Irish Point-to-Points in 2010 and was placed second in a Beginner's Chase in the UK. Panama Canal may have benefited from a summer break and should be able to lose his Maiden tag this season.
Regal Reign (IRE)
8 b g Darnay – Sea Bright
Paul Strawson -
Brocklesby
Regal Reign finished second in a Maiden Point-to-Point at Badbury Rings in February 2011 and went on to be ridden by AP Mc Coy to finish second in a novice hurdle race behind the useful The Strawberry One (the winner of two bumpers and three hurdle races). Regal Reign was purchased at Doncaster Sales in August and since then he has been "properly and fairly hunted" by Tom Strawson who has been carrying "the rag" on him out hunting with the Brocklesby. 23 year old Tom has been working hard to gain experience; he has ridden out for Gerald Bailey, Antonia Bealby and Alan Hill. He has however had his fair share of bad luck with injuries to both himself and his horses in previous seasons. Regal Reign clearly has ability and should be able to give Tom a much deserved first winner.
Teeton Coral
8 b m Karinga Bay – Teeton Frolic
Mrs Joan Tice -
Pytchley
Teeton Coral progressed nicely through the ranks in 2010 proving to be a game resolute finisher. She ran just once in 2011 owing to mystery lameness. "We had her x-rayed and scanned but nothing showed up", explained her jockey, Lizzie Harris. Teeton Coral is fit and well again now and will be aimed at an Intermediate race initially with a view to qualifying to run in the Intermediate Final at Cheltenham. She may also run in Ladies races and possibly take in one of the four mile races. Teeton Coral is the sixth pointing winner out of Teeton Frolic and all the family stay well.
