12 May 2009 Report: Bilsdale - Easingwold
by Will Milburn
DEJA VU: and Sarah Russell sprung something of a surpise in the Novice Riders race
photo: Jon Hodd
The Bilsdale Point-to-Point at Easingwold had mixed weather throughout the day, however despite this, some very exciting racing took place, which saw several very big priced winners, whilst Tom Greenall, Guy Brewer, Jo Foster and Chris Dawson all fought it out for their respective championships.
The first upset of the day came in the Novice Riders race. Gemma Tutty and Astral Prince disputed most of the running, however De Ja Vu went on four out and could not be caught as he stayed on strongly up the straight to give Sarah Russell her first winner. Favourite Le Passing and Toby Greenall travelled strongly throughout, but found very little from 2out and weakened up the hill to finish third.
The Confined saw a 33-1 winner. John Dawson and Tirol Livit made almost all the running, but was challenged by Lane Marshall and Del Trotter at the last. Lane Marshall found very little, while Del Trotter stayed on strongly for Laura Eddery, but could not quite reach Tirol Livit, who was driven out to score.
The Mixed Open saw a thrilling finish. Unjust Law was clear after the last, however Gabor, who had never travelled at all, was driven to join Unjust Law on the line to result in a dead heat. The ever so game Queenies Girl stayed on strongly for third.
The 5, 6 and 7yo Open Maiden saw Lewesdon Duchess finally get off the mark for John Dawson. Always prominent, the winner led from four out and easily went clear for a comfortable success. Wolf Warning made most of the running and attempted to mount a challenge but had very little left in second, whilst Dark Knight filled a very remote and tired third.
Intense Suspense was the most impressive winner of the day in the Restricted race. Clear from four out, Tom Greenall didn't have to move a muscle on the run in to win by an easy 20 lengths. Napalm ran well to be second, with favourite Once Before a disappointing third.
The Open Maiden race ended the day and saw Pam Wright's home bred Knoxhill Archie finally get off the mark at the sixteenth time of asking. Always prominent, Chris Dawson and his mount sprinted up the hill to win well. Devils and Dust ran a career best in second after making most of the money, whilst Meertrix gave Richard Walker another thrill back in third.
