MENDIP FARMERS
STON EASTON
SATURDAY 22ND March 2008
REVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong
Mike O’Connor’s Springford was a popular winner of the Mendip Farmers Hunt race at Ston Easton, forging clear on the final circuit under Ian Popham. Now 16-years-old, Springford has won 12 of his 25 races for former trainer, Caroline Keevil, and Pat Bryant, who took over the pointers at their Charterhouse yard this season. “He’s always been known as “The King” at home, and he still is”, beamed Caroline and Pat proudly.
The grey Rimpton Boy was another popular winner when taking his career tally to 26 under Rachael Green in the Ladies Open. The three-runner contest developed into a sprint from the chicane, but Rimpton Boy galloped right to the line and was always holding rivals Candali (Chloe Boxall) and Perouse (Chloe Roddick).
Come Out Firing (Sarah West) gave a fine perfomance in the 2m4f Maiden, making all the running and surging clear of fellow joint favourite Max’s Choice (Ian Popham) up the final climb. “Guy Upton recommended the horse, and I own him with my two oldest friends, Sally Arscott and Meryl Winter”, said Sarah. “We’ve always said that it’s like a witches’ convention when the three of us meet, so we decided to call the syndicate The Witches Club”.
(L-R) Come Out Firing (Sarah West) jumps alomgside Open All Doors (Vicky Heal)
Ditcheat owners Dave Staddon and Caroline Parsons recorded their second training success with Lord Of The Road (Ryan Mahon), who recorded the day’s fastest time in the Restricted. “We bought him at Doncaster in May”, said Dave, “but he’s needed two operations on a tendon sheath”. “I’d like to thank Bruce Blaydon from Newbury Vets O’Gorman Slater & Main, who operated on him, and Julian Wayne, our local vet, who’s actually on duty here today. He’s been placed four times under Rules, we know he’s a stayer – he finished second in a Taunton 3m3f Chase last March - and the aim is to hunter chasing”.
Arnie Sendall’s familiar Kingscliff colours were in the winner’s enclosure with Slaezy, the all the way winner of the Mens Open, and apt reward for Ian Chanin, who turned down several opportunities at Badbury Rings to take the ride. “I bought him after he won a point-to-point at Sligo in May”, explained Arnie. “He’s 17.2hh, is a superb athlete, so he’s typical of all my horses”.
Arnie Sendell's Slaezy is well clear at the last
Martin Pitchwood (Tigga Barnes) kept punters happy – market leaders took five of the six races – in the closing Maiden. Trained at Brent Knoll by Sally Hutchings and jointly owned by her and Amanda Hodges, Martin Pitchwood failed to get the hang of eventing, but showed so much on the gallops that a crack at point-to-pointing seemed worthwhile.
Ladies Open, 11st (3 Runners)
RIMPTON BOY Miss R. Green, 5-4F
CANDARLI (IRE) Miss C. Boxall, 7-2
PEROUSE Miss C. Roddick, 11-8
