Grafton
Whitfield
Saturday 5th June 2010
by Claire Hart
South Midland action comes to an end this Saturday where The Grafton Hunt host their meeting at Whitfield Racecourse, postcode NN13 5TQ.
A bumper entry of 156 has been received and the going at present is Good and watering will continue to maintain this.
There are 7 races on the card, the first at 4.30 PM.
The opening Members has 7 entries, Ladies Open winner JUMBUL SALE and Jimmy Tarrys' CROOKED SMILE look to be leading fancies.
The Intermediate race has 19 entries. This looks a very competitive event, Alan Hill who has a huge lead in the South Mid area Trainers Championship has SIR RONAN entered, he was 3rd at Garthorpe 2 weeks ago in this grade and is sure to go close here, CHARM OF GOLD who has won 3 races this season has the credentials to upgrade here. Interesting entry is THE HAIRY MUTT who has some placed form in Ladies company and having won a conditions race Saturday comes here in good form.
The ladies and mens open are a clear indication that although the season is nearing its end there is still a huge amount of quality horses running, LIMERICK LEADER will be hoping to regain his trophy in the ladies race here which he won last season, strong opposition is likely though with entries including AVESOMEOFTHAT thrice a winner last season; the Dick Baimbridge trained SHERNALLY and the consistent DUMADIC.
Entered in both Open races is CHRISTY BEAMISH and seeing him go close would be no surprise, others to note in the Mens are ASHSTORM, BUCKINGHAM BILL, a winner on this track previously; CELESTIAL DRAGON who is on the upgrade and GUNNER JACK a five time winner this season.
The closing conditions race will also be a competitive contest, for horses aged 10 and over who have not won an open point to point or any race under rules since 28th November 2008. Entries include STRONG WELD who has been in winning form this season, BUCKINGHAM BILL could opt for this rather than the Mens Open and MENDO a classy performer on his day.
Tom Ellis is heading the gentleman's area championship with a good lead over Pete Mann and looks unlikely he will be caught, Lucy Barry is ahead by 4 points where nearest pursuer Claire Hart is out of action but it is possible that Rachel King or Emily Macmahon could close the gap with a winner and a place a piece.
As previously stated Alan Hill holds a strong lead in the trainers table, Laura Hurley looks set to be runner up.
Ian Bostocks mare Dusky Lory heads the mares table but without an entry saturday it looks as if Charm Of Gold or Crooked Smile who hold 2 entries a piece and who are only 2 points behind Dusky Lory at present could steal this prize.
Leading horse/owner is Bon Accord/Rodney Mann but only just behind him at the moment is Moscow Mule/ Hurley family so it will be exciting to see how runs Saturday.
Admission costs are £10 per car with driver, £20 per car with occupants.
There will be trade stands and Hot/Cold refreshments available.
