Cottesmore
Garthorpe
Sunday 9th March 2008
by Graham Taylor

The Leicestershire Point to Point season gets under way with the Cottesmore Hunt holding the opening County meeting this coming Sunday at Garthorpe, near Melton Mowbray. Garthorpe is one of the best viewing racecourses in the country and has attracted some top Pointers in an entry of 117 for the proposed six races on view. First race scheduled for 12.00 noon. At present the ground is in good condition and some interesting racing is expected. Admission prices for this and all other Garthorpe meetings during the season are as last year, £20 per car of 4. £10 single car occupant. Children under 16 free.

The opening race, The Members Race has attracted an entry of nine and has been kindly sponsored by Mallard Jewellers and Moores Country and Equestrian Homes. The probable mount of Richard Armson, Sovereign Quest, looks the pick. This horse won the Melton Novices here at Garthorpe last season.

Twelve horses are entered for The Confined Race, which has been sponsored by Dickinson & Morris. Round The Isles ran a decent second under Dickie Barrett at Marks Tey recently, however True Friday looks the Garthorpe specialist as his three wins on this course suggest and is preferred.

Marshall Land Rover have sponsored The Mens Open Race and eleven entries have been received. Court Adjourn won his first three races last season and was placed in a Hunter Chase at Cheltenham. Denvale, now owned by Richard Hunnisett, but still in the Bailey stable ran well at Brocklesby Park recently. Another of note is Steppes Of Gold, who has improved with the aid of top rider Alex Merriam and could go close. The winning horse of this race is eligible to run in the £10,000 3m ½ f Volkswagen Touareg Mens Championship Final at Towcester in May.

The Ladies Open Race is due off at 1.45pm. Ten horses are entered here and the race is sponsored by Sturgess Jaguar. Fitzwilliam horse, Fullards won first time out at Cottenham this season and has the services of Louise Allen. Sarah Phizacklea could ride Tooley Park, who won a Hunter Chase at Leicester. However the Mike Dawson trained Sir Storm, the probable mount of his wife Jill, has recently won at Brocklesby Park and may follow up here.

Next race up is the TBA/MFHA PPORA Maiden Race for Mares only and16 have been entered. This looks quite tricky to forecast but Morton Way, the possible mount of Hannah Watson, looks best on her third in a maiden at Whitwick Manor in February. The danger could come from the mount of Stuart Morris on Paulinski, fourth at Thorpe Lodge this year. First four mares past the post qualify for the £1,000 TBA/MFHA Championship Final at Clifton-on-Dunsmore on 20 th April.

Jeremy Young has kindly sponsored the Restricted Race and this has attracted 25 entries. Dream Garden was an impressive maiden winner at Thorpe. Mid Div and Creep won at Horseheath last month when a hot favourite. However top jockey Stuart Morris has the choice of the Bill Warner pair Rathmoley and Walters Laddie, the latter a winner at Brocklesby Park recently.

Final race of the day is The Maiden Race for 5,6,7 and 8 year olds and has an entry of 34. This race is sponsored by Stone Lodge Industries. Ski Dazzle was second in a maiden at Brocklesby Park. Yeabut is another to have shown promise with two seconds this year and could go one better here. Another to watch is Sydneytwothousand who looked a good prospect two seasons back and is lightly raced.

Garthorpe Racecourse is situated 6miles east of Melton Mowbray on the B676.