WEST SOMERSET VALE
COTHELSTONE
SUNDAY 13th April 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

THE West Somerset Vale Hunt holds its annual point-to-point meeting this Sunday 13 April, at Cothelstone, near Bishops Lydeard. There are 154 horses are entered for the six race card (first race 2.00 pm), promising a first-class day's racing for spectators.

Several course specialists are among the 13 entries for the feature Mixed Open, including Croix De Guerre and El Hombre Del Rio, who both won at the Quantock Staghounds meeting here in March. Course winner Askers Jack, Highway Jack – well suited by a sound surface – and recent winners The Quarry Man, Fool On The Hill and General Blackthorn have chances. Massimo impressively landed a big gamble – backed from 7/1 to 7/4 – at Kilworthy and is confidently expected to follow up.

Proceedings get underway with the Hunt race, which has attracted five entries. Marie McGuinness provided the 2005 and 2006 winners and has chances with Arthur Parker – likely to set a fast pace – Bringontheboys and last year’s runner-up Magnemite. Knight Of Silver has chances for Paul Anderson, but Dandooley put up a fine performance at Kingston St Mary on Easter Monday and gets the vote.

Quantock Staghounds winners Just Gladys, Midnight Queen and Kensal Cross are among the 39 entries for the Restricted race. Tabaristan ran on well to score at Littlewindsor, but the three suggestions are Coombe Hill – a winner at Ottery for trainer rider Charlotte Tizzard – the Camilla Scott-trained Yufo, and I’m An Optimist, who reappeared to finish second at Sandon on Easter Saturday for Frome trainer Guy Landau after missing the whole of last season.

The 2m 4f Maiden has attracted 41 entries and will test punters. Ashclyst was caught close home here in March before unseating at the last at Great Trethew and may gain compensation.

Twenty-eight are entered for an interesting Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders’ race, including the formerly prolific Martin Ossie, pulled up at Howick on his only outing to date this season. New Entic and the Hawkins’ Kingston St Mary winner Ri Na Realta are interesting, but the selection is Winsley, who sets a terrific pace for Nolan Byrne and should be suited by the Cothelstone course.

Punters will also be challenged by the closing Open Maiden race, which has attracted 28 entries. Brian Kilpatrick’s Major Matt disappointed at the Quantock Staghounds, but may be worth another chance.

The course lies north of Taunton off the A358, 3 miles NE of Bishops Lydeard. First race: 2.00pm. Admission is £20 per car including all occupants, £10 car and driver only.