WEST MIDLANDS DINNER AND AWARDS

Cheltenham Racecourse once again played host to the recent West Midland Area Point to Point Dinner and Annual Awards in the middle of September.

After almost two decades under the guidance of Pauline Wallis, this year’s event was the first to be held under a new team headed by Sam Lewis.

The area had much to celebrate this season with two of our riders finishing second in their respective National rider’s championships. This evening is always at the centre of everyone’s social calendar because all of the participants whether owners, rider or trainers have the ultimate ambition of winning at the home of steeplechasing.

This year’s event was dominated by Fergal O’Briens Naunton stable but Julie Houldey’s yard at North Nibley also picked up an award.

Dick Baimbridge (right) hands the Leading Trainer Award to Fergal O’Brien during the Presentation Evening at Cheltenham Racecourse

The former took the award for the leading trainer for the second year running and will be doing his utmost to achieve the hatrick in 2009/2010.

The standard of turnout in our area is always high and travelling around the country, our stables invariably win B.T.O. Awards wherever they race. All our grooms deserve the highest possible praise but this year’s trophy for the Leading Groom went to Kirsty Deane.

Kirsty Deane receives her Award from Dick Baimbridge

Chicago Alley started the season as a Maiden but she came good at the end of the season winning her final three races, so there was cause for celebration at the O’Brien table when Tom Morgan stepped up to receive the Leading Horse and Leading Mare Trophys.

Tom Morgan (left) representing the connections of Chicago Alley

It is pleasing to know that despite having won the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Cheltenham Foxhunters in recent years, William and Angela Rucker are still major supporters of Point-to-Point racing in our area.

Angela finished runner up to Claire Allen in the race to become the leading lady rider but gained compensation by taking the Owner/Rider/Trainer trophy following her exploits with Petit Lord.

William and Angela Rucker receive their trophies from Dick Baimbridge

Polly Whittaker received the area trophy for the Leading Lady Novice Rider from Dick Baimbridge (left) and they are joined by Belinda Sparey, who presented her “ Best of Taste Award” for the Leading Novice Rider

Polly Whittaker was another ride to enjoy the fruits of their labours and she was walked with two trophies.

The 2008/2009 season saw the emergence of a whole clutch of promising novice riders and most of them made an immediate impact, so racing in the future will be as competitive as at any time in the past.

“The future looks safe in their hands”
Jack Sherwood, Nick Slatter and Richard Spencer receive their awards

Julie Houldey won four races with Just Talking during the 2008/2009 campaign so the Talking Friends Partnership were able to pick up the award for the Areas Leading Novice Horse. Just Talking also won the Western Daily Press Trophy, a considerable achievement for a cheap purchase who had moderate form when last raced under Rules.

The connections of Just Talking receiving their award

David Mansell picked up the Trophy for the Leading Gentlemen Rider for the second year in succession and his association with Julie Houldeys yard at North Nibley has been one of the major success stories over the last two seasons.

Mansell made a bold bid for the National Title in 2008/2009 but in the end had to concede to the overwhelming firepower of TomGreenall, but could it be third time lucky in 2009/2010?

Mark Wall (3rd), Dave Mansell (winner) and Adrian Wintle (2nd)
Will the order be the same next year?

Jason Warner receives his Achievement Award, while Hannah Lewis (Mrs Adrian Wintle) claims the Small Trainer Award on behalf of Helen Needham