Pytchley
Guilsborough
Sunday 6th April 2008
by Graham Taylor

On ground generally in tip top condition at this popular venue, some exciting racing looks in prospect when the Pytchley Hunt hold their annual Point to Point meeting at Guilsborough, on the borders of Northamptonshire, this coming Sunday. An exceptionally good entry of 176 horses have been accepted for the scheduled seven race card with a first race time of 1.30 pm. Admission prices for the meeting are as last year. Following the final race, two Pony Races are scheduled to take place.

First Race on the card is the Members Race and this is kindly sponsored by Bidwells, the Property Experts. This race has ten entries. Tallow Bridge won here last year and has also been successful at Thorpe early season and is the probable mount of Stuart Morris, who scored a hat trick at this meeting last year. Dickie Barrett, who rides for the Bailey stable, also had three wins here last season, and could ride, Cheyne, who won a Confined at Dingley recently. However Persian Hero, second at Thorpe and Brocklesby this year is just favoured.

Calnan Cox, local Solicitors are the sponsors for The Confined Race, which has an entry of 24. The Joan Tice trained Teeton Bollinger, won on this course last year and was a neck second in a Confined race this year. Harapour won at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday and looks to be the mount of his owner, Richard Hunnisett, nevertheless the vote goes to Longville Lad, an easy winner at Kimble two weeks ago.

30 horses are entered for The Ladies Open Race and the sponsor here is the Northampton Solicitor’s, Shoosmiths. Rider, Gemma Hutchinson has the choice of Limerick Leader, an easy Dingley winner, and the thirteen year old, Free, already a winner at Horseheath. Others who have outstanding chances are, Honest Endeavour, a winner at Cothelstone and Virgin Soldier, who won a similar race early season at Market Rasen.

The Mens Open Race, kindly sponsored by Abbey Ross, Property Consultants, has an entry of 27 and looks ultra competitive. The Walley-Cohen team have Irilut and Mel In Blue entered, both are Hunter Chase winners. The Hookie Bookie is also in top form and beat the Bailey horse, Denvale recently. However Coolefind was 4 th in a Hunter Chase this year and won the Mens Open here last year and looks to be coming into form.

The Restricted Race, fifth race on the card has an entry of 33 and is generously sponsored by MacIntyre Hudson, Accountants. Eydon Run was a winner at Dingley and gave rider Tom Ellis his third win of the day. Mad Victor won well at Weston Park. Lord Of The Knar and Walters Laddie have both been successful at Brocklesby Park this year. Ski Dazzle and Farmer Frank are both winners this season at Thorpe Lodge.

With 52 horses entered for the Maiden Race, the race has now been split into two divisions, both run over 2 ½ miles. Division 1 has an entry of 26 and is sponsored by Dallas Burston, Healthcare. Checked Shirt and Smart Mistress have been placed third at Kingston Blount and Thorpe Lodge respectively this season. However Call Me A Lady has some form from last season when second here under lady rider Sarah Phizacklea and is preferred.

Final Race of the day is Division 2 of the Maiden and again has 26 entries. Samuel Rose of Sywell, Northants, are the sponsors here. Souk Al Jabba and Beau Sam have shown a little form in maiden races so far. However the Jill and Mike Dawson horse, Bentoto, is yet to race but is highly thought of at home.

The Guilsborough Racecourse is situated near the A5199, 10 miles NW of Northampton (Exit 18 M1, or via A5199 from the A14).