SANDHURST AREA
NEWS
2011-2012 SEASON
by Robin Gray
Tweseldown will stage the first of three meetings on Sunday 11 December when the Hampshire course hosts the Hursley Hambledon fixture for the first time.
The Tweseldown Club meeting is scheduled for Sunday 5 February 2012 and on Sunday 4 March the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray race, following a successful first visit last season.
Local trainers, led by popular 'punters pal', 45 year old veteran Philip York, plans to have runners on Sunday week, when the first race is scheduled for 12.00 noon. York, only narrowly beaten in the National Riders Championship last season, will have up to 40 horses in training through the season which lasts until early June.
'At the moment I have 25 in full work and I expect to run a couple at Tweseldown,' he said. 'In addition I have been asked to ride one for my rival trainer Victoria Collins in the Members race!'
York warmed up with a ride at Cottenham last Sunday and a couple at Folkestone the following day.
Collins, whose stable is near Alresford, starts the season with eleven horses - two of which are owned by actor Martin Clunes in partnership with accountant David Clifford.
'I will probably have my first runner at Barbury Castle next weekend (3rd December)' she said, 'but there are two definite runners at Tweseldown. Philip York rides one of them and Shane O'Keefe - who will ride most of mine this season - partners the other one.'
Morestead trainer Jenny Gordon has eight horses in her charge. Tweseldown is likely to be the scene of Launde's first run in preparation for a third attempt on the Aintree Foxhunters in April. Ridden by his enthusiastic owner, Anthony Ward-Thomas, Launde was brought down at the Canal Turn last year and fell when a close third in the race eight months ago.
Jenny's best horse is Description - successful last season for his owner/rider Camilla Ewart - who will probably been seen out before Christmas.
Tweseldown SMS Text Messaging Service
Tweseldown Racecourse intends to trial an SMS Text messaging service for the new season (already trialled for 11th December fixture), next fixture 5th February 2012. It is NEITHER a replacement nor alternative to Talking Point, the official service for Point-to-Point racing, as BUT we are very conscious of the bad luck we have suffered with late cancellations due to unpredicted frost in the past, and want to communicate urgent information to all of our customer base instantly.
Therefore, just send a text message to 07786 200690 with the word TWESELDOWN and you will be entered into our system. We will then send any urgent communication by SMS text message at no cost to you.
Steven Astaire - Chairman
www.tweseldownracingclub.com
