TAUNTON VALE FOXHOUNDS
KINGSTON ST MARY
EASTER MONDAY 24TH MARCH 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

Racegoers have plenty to look forward to when the Wessex Point-to-Point calendar returns to picturesque Kingston St Mary for the Taunton Vale Foxhounds meeting, this Easter Monday, 24 th March.

The day begins with two Pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Area Pony Racing Final, at 11.30am. These are followed at 12.30pm by the Taunton Vale Invitational Charity Race, a flat race run over 1½ miles in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, to which a minimum donation of £1,500 will be made. Participants include Dom Schneiders MRCVS aboard Zafarabad - winner of 10 races and £156,000 and a runner in the 1999 Champion Hurdle - Lucy Amor on the Bob Buckler-trained River Indus, a winner over 3 miles at Taunton in February, Bridget Burbidge MFH riding former high-class hunter chaser Bright Approach, ex-TVFH Field Master Peter Hartnall, 66, Helen Pavey, and Richard Mitford-Slade MFH on Willy Furnley, the winner of an Ottery Maiden in 2006. Willy Furnley displayed a fine turn of speed over hurdles and in points and may outpace his distinguished rivals.

The hunt race is the first of the seven point-to-point races at 1.05pm. Ideford Arch winner Ha Ho Magregor and Arvakur – successful at Wadebridge on Saturday – have chances, but Croix De Guerre cannot be opposed if facing the starter.

The young horse maiden is less straightforward, with 26 entries for punters to consider. Sahara Legend, Briteside, Range Rover and Jean’s Joy may be four for the short-list.

There are 19 entries for the Confined race, including Dad Says Heazle, Fool On The Hill and Kiama, winners here earlier in the season. Milborne winner Whites Touch, Ottery winner Off Broadway and dual 2008 scorer Sulawacee are candidates, along with Westover Lad, who should enjoy going right-handed. Kiama created a tremendous impression when annihilating her field here three weeks ago and will get the vote.

Croix De Guerre holds an entry for the Men’s Open and looks the likely winner. Course specialist Highway Oak would be suited by fast ground, while Simon’s Seat also catches the eye. Lisheen Storm has been second in his last five races and would be a deserving winner for owner trainer, Lee Glanville.

A case can be made for virtually all of 10 entries for an excellent Ladies’ Open. Richard Barber can choose between three-time course winner Rye Brook and Rimpton Boy, who recorded his 25 th success when just denying Dizzy Future at Charlton Horethorne. Croix De Guerre and Saint Romble could represent the Hobbs team, while Wadebridge winner Dr Cerullo and Gemster will be supported. In a fascinating heat, the Hobbs runner may deny the Barber candidate.

There are 23 entries for a strong Restricted, including several 2007/08 winners. Arthur Parker was unchallenged at Great Trethew and can win again for Cyril Moate and Marie McGuinness.

Bringontheboys may be the one to solve the closing older horse maiden.

The course is 3 miles N of Taunton off the A358. Admission: £20 per car including all occupants, £10 car and driver only. First Pony race: 11.30 am, first point-to-point race: 1.05 pm