WEST SOMERSET & MINEHEAD HARRIERS
HOLNICOTE
Saturday 24th February 2007

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

THE Wessex point-to-point season moves to Exmoor on Saturday for the West Somerset Hunt & Minehead Harriers meeting at Holnicote (first race 12.00 noon). A superb entry of 190 has been received for the seven races, so spectators can anticipate competitive racing in this wonderful setting.

The Ladies’ (1.45pm) and Men’s Open (2.20pm) races hold centre stage. The Hobbs family have a strong hand in the former, with Christopher, impressive PPORC winner Koquelicot, and Mounsey Castle among the 18 entries. Miss Ziggerson - in contention when departing at Larkhill – has chances along with course specialist Polka, and Toi Express, who has shown promise in three non-completions this season. The three to choose from are Koquelicot, Ray Geddes’ Tweseldown winner Reviewer, and the Dick Baimbridge-trained Titus Bramble, a possible mount for Claire Allen, who rode four winners at Whitwick on Saturday.

The Men’s Open has attracted a quality entry of 33, including Royal Artillery Gold Cup winner Back Nine, the evergreen Springford, and Chipley Park winner Selassie. Jeremy Scott could be represented by Coronation Cup runner-up Gone To Lunch and Southwestern – brought down at Buckfastleigh on Sunday – while Keith Cumings has entered dual 2007 scorer Swift Wood, along with Touch Of Flame and Maxou Des Brosses (who both beat Southwestern last season). Honourable Spider will be an automatic selection if travelling from Sussex. In his likely absence, Southwestern may return to winning ways.

Eight are entered for the opening Hunt race for the Morse Code Cup. Rosie Booth has entered Fremantle Doctor and Moscow Whisper, while Flying Fuselier or Mounsey Castle could represent the Hobbs team. The Booth-chosen runner is fancied to prevail.

The Open Maiden will be run in two Divisions. Gaelic Present, Members Only and Perfect Gem are fancied to contest Division One. Andare A Ballare, Candlelight Valley, Oneoneeight and The Brogue Rogue may be four to consider in Division Two.

Twenty are entered for the Intermediate race, including Big Brendan, who could make his comeback after missing 2006. Innocent Rebel has chances, but Ask Again won well at Chipley Park and may follow up.

There are 39 entries for the closing Restricted race. Emanate got off the mark at Black Forest Lodge, but Caroline Hobbs’ Lile Na Casca was unchallenged at Larkhill and gets the vote.

Admission charges are £20 per car including all occupants, £15 car and driver only.

The course is just off the A39, 3 miles W of Minehead and 2 miles E of Porlock. First race: 12.00 noon.