Holderness at DALTON PARK
Saturday 11th March 2000
by Richard Watts
Stephen Swiers brought up his century of winners between the flags when Mr Dick (Middleton) scored an easy victory in the Mens Open at last Saturdays Holderness Point to Point held at Dalton Park.
Appreciating the fast ground Jane Coopers grey hardly had to get out of a canter to justify favouritism. Mr Dick was held up early, he moved smoothly into third entering the last mile; before quickening away after the fourth last to win unchallenged by twenty lengths. The Fiona Needham trained Cavella Star (M Abrahams/West of Yore) finished second. Ridden by Rupert Abrahams he made much of the running until outpaced by the impressive winner. A further four lengths back in third was Chris Cundall on his own Final Beat (Derwent), who stayed on well from the third last.
An exciting Confined Hunts race saw Insideout (Cleveland) reverse the form of their West of Yore meeting with Jacksons Hole (Middleton). Ridden by trainer Lynne Ward, Alan Jacksons horse made much of the running until David Easterby brought the Ian Mason trained Jacksons Hole on terms four from home; Three out the favourite went clear but he could never shake off the attentions of Insideout. Jacksons Hole was not fluent at the last but Insideout flew the fence and finished fast to take the lead on the line. A distance back in third was Liz Clarks Gaelic Warrior (York & Ainsty), he plugged on at one pace under Rachael Clark.
Lynne Wards sister Tina Jackson won the Ladies Open when Howard Thompsons The Minister (Cleveland) returned to top form. The favourite Monkey Ago (Pendle Forest), ridden by owner Joe Foster tried to make all in this race but the Minster was always travelling well in second. The pair were together three from home but coming the second last The Minister exherted and quickened well to win by two lengths. Monkey Ago finished second six lengths clear of the Liz Clark trained Misti Hunter (D Ibbotson/York & Ainsty) who kept on at one pace under Rachael Clark.
In the Hunt race Willie Bethalls Ubu Val on paper was a class above the rest and that proved to be the case as he cantered home an easy five lengths clear under Serena Brotherton. Tim Gardham on Honeysuckle Lil (V Gardham) finished second but they were flattered by their proximity to the winner. Stuart Boltons Mr Eglantine finished a remote third under David Thomas.
David Easterby picked up his eighth win on the campaign when Ian Brays Polar King (Middleton) landed odds on in the Restricted. The first three finishers were in the van throughout this race. Polar King, Ian Brown's Yornoangel (Sinnington) and Stuart Boltons Deer Park Lass (Holderness). Deer Park Lass, ridden by David Thomas, was the first to crack two from home; Polar King took it up but Yornoangel, ridden by Richard Clark, was not done with and he was back on terms at the last. In a great finish Easterby found extra on Polar King and they pulled clear to win by two lengths. Deer Park Lass finished six lengths back in third.
Joanne Newitts Curtainsatchopwell (Sinnington) had looked a non-stayer on his previous outings and on this track which suits the staying type, astonishingly he won the Second Maiden at 12-1. Ridden by Kevin Green the six-year-old was soon in front but he settled well and galloped his rival into the ground. He was a distance clear after a circuit and kept up the gallop well to the line. The favourite, Trish Russells The Butcher Boy (Middleton) made headway over the final circuit but a mistake three out ended his chance and he could only keep on at one pace to take a six length second under David Easterby. Richard Lochmans Fiery Jack (York & Ainsty) kept on to take third under Nigel Tutty.
After several near misses Wayne Burnells Erni (Bramham Moor) took the First Maiden in the hands of his owner. The favourite Tricky Trevor (J Delahooke/Zetland) looked the likely winner when taking the lead three from home under Holy Delahooke. Burnell didnt give up and he got Erni up to within a length at the last. Given a fine ride Erni rallied on the flat and got up close home to win by half a length. Nasayer (Brocklesby) who was close up until weakening two from home finished twenty length back in third under Adair Pickering.