LARKHILL RACING CLUB
LARKHILL
Wednesday 28th May 2008 (Evening)

LARKHILL Racecourse on Salisbury Plain hosts the final point-to-point of the Wessex season on Wednesday evening, 28 May, when the Larkhill Racing Club stage their popular annual family meeting.

The meeting begins at 3.45pm with the Wessex Area Pony Racing Finals, followed by the Ablington Challenge Charity Race, a flat race run over 1½ miles in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance – participants raised over £7,000 in last year’s race. Point-to-point racing begin at 5.35pm, and the six races have attracted 125 entries.

Polly Gundry and Rachael Green are battling for the Ladies’ National title and both could be in action, along with Oliver Greenall, who is already assured of the Men’s National title. Polly has several possible mounts in the Ladies’ Open, including Holnicote winner Dr Cerullo, Gemster, Lile Na Casca and Mister Putt, who disappointed at Cothelstone. Rachael could ride Bally Blue – a previous winner of this race – Reviewer, or Rye Brook, proven on a sound surface and a recent winner at Bratton Down. Contenders also include hunter chase winners Watership Down and Golden Jack, and Alan Hill’s fast ground specialists Bell Rock and Bering Gifts. Shareef will be an outsider, but he ran well here behind Red Brook Lad last season and is a longer priced suggestion.

The 17 entries for the Men’s Open include last year’s winner Trade Off, Golden Jack, Tyneham and Who Else Knew, who is in tremendous form for owner Bernard Pike. Oliver Greenall can choose between multiple winners Bow School (three wins this season), North Island (three) and Sonevafushi (unbeaten in five points this season) and the “Greenall selected” will get the vote.

Contenders for the 30-strong entry Restricted race include Lord Daresbury’s Pristine Condition, Simon Tindall’s Little Mickey and Tates Avenue, and recent winners Marias Rock and Lagan Legend. The two to choose from are Diflock, who made an impressive winning debut at Stafford Cross, and Johnny Weatherby’s Caramill Gift, off the course since pulling up at Tweseldown in February, but capable of much more.

There are 18 entries for the Conditions race, including last year’s winner Mister Putt and a host of recent winners, including Long Courrier, Lord Code, and Diamond Monroe, a comfortable Holnicote scorer for Paul John. Oliver Greenall has a strong hand with Bow School, Lord Gee and Network Oscar, and this looks another likely winner for the Champion Elect.

The Open Maiden race has attracted 21 entries. Karley has obvious chances for the Polly Gundry/ Ed Walker stable although Arctic Emperor may be an interesting alternative on a sound surface.

There are 14 entries for the closing Intermediate race. Lord Gee and The Fairhill Boy have chances, but Barneys Mate could be another winner for Rachael Green.

The course is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303 or A345. First race 3.45 pm (ponies), 5.00 pm (Charity race), 5.35 pm (point-to-point). The entrance fee is £20 per car; £15 per car with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.