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CLOSING THE GAP: Caught In Time helps Phil York in his Championship bid with a Hunt Members win
photo: Neale Blackburn

A good crowd turned up here for this last meeting of the season within the South Midland area and were rewarded with competitive racing throughout the day.

Phil York, who is so close to winning the overall Mens Championship, took the opening Hunt Members Race aboard the Karen Lawther-trained Caught In Time in very impressive fashion. This was his fifth win of the season and is certainly one to look forward to next season.

Freddie Mitchell, 16, won the 2m5f Maiden Race aboard San Siro, a five-year-old by Milan. This horse was purchased at the Kempton Breeze Up sales and this was his third start. Rider Freddie has had six winners so far and is the South East Area Novice Champion and is certainly a young man worth following. Second was favourite Snooze N You Lose piloted by Mark Wall.

Ned The Post stormed to victory in the Mens Open under Ian Chanin; having his first run since finishing jarred up at Siddington back in March, he took up the running after the second open ditch and was always going better than More Trouble who finished second. Polly Gundry, who is partner of the winning trainer Ed Walker, reported "He was second behind My Flora at Whitick in February so after her winning so well Friday at Stratford we are entitled to think he is a nice horse."

Emily Harbour has enjoyed a tremendous season and a double on the card extended her lead at the head of the Area table to an enormous one. The first leg came aboard the Alan Hill-trained Balladeer who won the Ladies Open in an extremely quick time of 6.06 ahead of Lucky Nellerie and Rilly Goschen, with King Du Berlais and Louise Allan in third.

Mr Cee Jay provided Emily with her next winner in the Restricted Race. Having finished second no less than five times early in the season before landing a maiden here three weeks ago, it was no surprise to see him sent off at the generous price of 4/1. A good jump at the last sealed it and he flew past Arniecoco on the run in. Modern Day Icon and Ian Chanin finished third.

The concluding Maiden of the day saw Phil York at his most determined when driving home Present Of Flame; an eight-year-old mare, Phil bought her only 10 days ago as extra ammunition in his quest for the title. He was rewarded here and previous owners John Busby and Sylvia Edmonds were present to see her victory.

At the end of racing the Area awards were given out and on behalf of the Area thanks must go to Equess who sponsored the awards.

Leading Gentleman: Will Telfor
Leading Lady: Emily Harbour
Leading Novice: William Twiston-Davies
Leading Owner: Mr Paul Fullager- Caught In Time
Leading Mare: Mr John Busby and Mrs Sylvia Edmonds- Briery Star
Leading Trainer: Alan Hill

There will also be an Awards Dinner Dance to take place in September, date to be confirmed. Anyone interested in tickets should contact Karen Lawther 07881643885 or Claire Hart 07871812251.

A fantastic day of racing to bring the 2010/11 South Midlands area season to an end.

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