Hursley Hambledon
Hackwood Park
Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2008
by Robin Gray

The Sandhurst Area point-to-point programme concludes with the Hursley Hambledon meeting at Hackwood Park on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May.

A victim of the hard ground last year, the Hursley Hambledon meeting returns to Hampshire after a lapse of more than 30 years – and has been rewarded with a bumper entry of 116 for the six races.

Alresford trainer Victoria Collins has multiple entries including four of the ten in the Members race. ‘Dan’s Star will definitely run in the Members and I might take on a South East Area champion, Carryonharry in the Ladies Open with Choral Dream.’ said Collins.

Owenabue Valley will be ridden by his owner Tony Vadasz in the Veteran & Novice Riders race while Whereareyounow will also be owner ridden, by John Maxse, in the Men’s Open.

Entries secretary Penny Lowndes intends to saddle Royal Tir in the Members. ‘He has been a wonderful servant, winning three races for me and placed countless times, so this will be his farewell.’ As usual, Michael Holdforth will ride Royal Tir.

In opposition will be Montesino, mount of Simon Cobden, joint secretary of the meeting.

After racing, three of the five Area Championship trophies will be presented – the remaining two will not be decided until the season’s end in June. The Area Pony Racing trophies will also be presented following the two races at 12.45 and 1.15pm.

At the time of writing the going at Hackwood is Good – Good to Soft. First race is at 2.00pm and the course is one mile south of Basingstoke, Exit 6 off the M3. Cars are charged at £30 and £20 but those with single occupants just £10.