21 April 2009 Report: Cleveland - Mordon
by John Milburn
CHERRYLAND: and Colm McCormack won the Members race in impressive fashion
photo: Jon Hodd
The Cleveland hunt staged their Point-to-Point at Howe Hills Mordon last Saturday, and the well watered ground attracted some large fields.
The day saw the revival of a few old timers whilst the Dawson brothers, John and Chris, both had winners.
Local jockey John Dawson took the honours in the Restricted race aboard The Viking; a horse whose stamina was suspect, however there was no problems feelings here as the pair travelled well throughout and made good headway down the straight, jumping to the lead at the last. The Viking stayed on strongly to beat favourite Itsteescomponents, who looked a potential winner but didn't find much off the bridle. Go For The Gap, who was given a very patient ride by Tom Greenall, was third.
The family honours continued as Chris Dawson went on to beat brother John in the final race, the Open Maiden. The well backed Racing Ace was always going well in midfield, but was tracked by Pop Play Again who jumped with great enthusiasm. The pair pulled well clear in the straight and couldn't be separated until the last where Chris Dawson reluctantly forced out his mount, as he also trains the second horse. Napalm's stamina gave way three out and he finished third.
The Confined race saw the game 13yo Queenies Girl and Paul Frank return to form. The pair disputed the lead for most of the way and leading three out they could never be caught as Browns Beck, who would ideally like the ground quicker, chased them home in second, whilst the Strongly travelling Sir Alf found little near the finish and could only manage third under Chris Dawson.
The 3m5f Mixed Open sprung another surprise as 10-1 shot Oaklands Luis, who after going well all the way, joined long time leader Lou Du Moulin Mas and Forty Shakes at the last, with three horses in a line. Tina Jackson gave her all to drive her mount out and win by three quarters of a length, with favourite Forty Shakes in second. Lou Du Moulin Mas showed much more spirit than usual but tired at the last to finish third.
The two and a half mile Maiden saw Guy Brewer notch another win meaning he now disputes the Mens Championship. Forge Valley was held up in rear and made good headway to tackle the leaders at the top of the straight and stayed on strongly to win cosily. Lewesdon Duchess and John Dawson chased the pair home, whilst Special Portrait was much the eye catcher, never out of last place, Tom Greenall and his mount absolutely flew home to just miss out on second.
The Members race saw Cherryland finally get off the mark in impressive fashion under promising rider Colm McCormack. The pair made a lot of the running and were quickly 10 lengths clear in the home straight and won easily. Northern Rambler took second place, with Opus Star a very remote third.
