Meynell & South Staffs
Garthorpe
Sunday 23rd May 2010
by Arthur Shone
The Meynell & South Staffs fixture at Garthorpe, Nr Melton Mowbray LE14 2RS this Sunday May 23rd 2010, is the penultimate meeting in the North Western area. The fixture has attracted a massive entry of 202, which is the highest entry recorded of any meeting in the North West Area in 2010, and with only one meeting remaining in the area after this Sunday, that total seems very unlikely to be surpassed.
Major Charles Moore, the secretary of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt, is keen to build on the success of last seasons meeting at the course, and has themed this years event as “Countryside Raceday”. Speaking today, he said, “Last year we were blessed with wonderful weather, and the large crowd of picnic-goers enjoyed the mix of a friendly relaxed atmosphere with the excitement of some good competitive racing. This year, whilst we have everything crossed for another warm and sunny day, we wanted to offer more to encourage an even bigger crowd to enjoy the countryside, and join us for a busy afternoon of activities.”
Clerk of the course Brian Crawford will be watering the course this week to ensure that the going will be at least good to firm ahead of this Sunday’s fixture. Crawford has also moved the fences and bends on to fresh ground for the meeting.
Admission to this popular Leicestershire course is only £25 per car, regardless of the number of passengers, which represents excellent value for money, single occupancy will be charged at £15. There is also a forward car park at the meeting, which is charged at £40.
Racing comes under starters at 2.00pm with the Open Maiden and concludes at 5.40pm with the two and a half mile Maiden. Prior to racing there will be two pony races taking place, which will get under way at 1.00pm
The Mixed Open race, for the Sir Ian Walker-Okeover Silver Perpetual Challenge Cup has attracted a top quality entry. Heading the 17 entries is the David Easterby trained Gunner Jack, the Gunner B gelding is unbeaten in all five starts this season, and was very impressive when beating Walter’s Laddie on the bridle at the Melton Hunt Club meeting at this course earlier in the month. David Easterby has also entered My Old Piano, a winner of three races this season, in fact the son of Dr Massini is unbeaten in all of his nine starts between the flags. Sonevafushi , trained by David Easterby’s sister Cherry Coward is another prolific winning pointer. Course specialist Denvale trained by Gerrard Bailey has won 11 races in his career, including four at this course, two of which have been this season. Others to note with winning form are First Fought, Jaunty Times, Laertes and Zilcash, a cracking race in prospect.
