Dulverton West
Bratton Down
Saturday 17th May 2008
by Lucy Johnson

THE first of three point-to-point meetings take place at Bratton Down this Saturday and a terrific day of racing is in prospect with 217 entries.

Secretary Claire Wright said that the course had a good cover of grass and at the beginning of the week the going was “good”. She added: “I’m thrilled with the entry and we are looking forward to a good day of racing and the mixed open should be exciting with 43 entries. We also have 17 in the ponies races with three on the reserve.”

A members’ race begins the card before horses line up for the mixed open. Then there are two divisions of the open maiden, an intermediate, PPORA Club Members’ Race for novice riders, a confined and a restricted.

With some of the best point-to-pointers in training entered in the mixed open its sure to be a great race. Among those entered are Ballybrown, Braeroy, Croix De Guerre, Fort of Gold, the five-times winning mare Kiama, Raregem, Who Else Knew and the prolific Rimpton Boy who despite being 13 years old is showing no signs of age and has won five races on the trot this season.

In the first maiden Novikova Rose should improve on her Axe Vale third and Ashclyst is another who is capable of winning.

Entries in the second division include Magical Flight, second at Axe Vale; Miss Fleur who has been placed twice in four outings; Mr Protected and the well bred Senor Toran.

The restricted has attracted some nice types include Iamwhatiam who unseated at Flete having provided Jamie Thomas with his first ever win at Great Trethew. He’s a thorough stayer and that’s essential on this track. Others to note are Eco Style whose mistake at Woodford put him out of the race; Axe Vale winner Diflock; Jacks Taxi and Lagan Legend.

The track should suit Drybrook Bedouin in the intermediate and Bucket Awl will attract plenty of support in the PPORA race.

As well as great racing there is also a bouncy castle for children, there are bookies and Orswell Catering are providing the bar and food.

The first race is off at 1pm. Entrance is £10 per car and £5 for each extra person up to £20. The course is situated nine miles north east of Barnstaple on the A399.