19 April 2011 Report: Cleveland - Mordon
by Will Milburn
The Cleveland Hunt held their meeting at Howe Hills, Mordon, by kind permission of John Wade. The afternoon was blessed with glorious sunshine and a seven race card which was well supported.
The Tutty family were the team in form on the day, where they recorded two winners and a second. The first of their double came in the Mens Open with L'Oudon, who was partnered by Guy Brewer; the pair made steady headway throughout the race and were well clear turning into the straight. L'Oudon jumped the last well clear on the bridle with dangers non-existent, which furthermore strengthened Guy's lead as area Champion rider. Think Lucky looked lit up by the blinkers and ran his best race in second, with Andre Chenier sticking on in third.
Trainer Nigel Tutty completed the double with Brize Norton, who came with a perfectly timed ride under Pip Tutty to lead near the line. Pip was very patient on her mount and with almost three in a line jumping the last she produced Brize Norton fast and late to deny the hot favourite Mr Gossip back in second, who earns himself yet another place as runner-up. Allborn Lad looks to enjoy this trip and track as he ran a much improved effort compared to recent outings to finish third.
The Ladies Open produced a useful horse in Oaklands Bobby, who always comes to hand at this time of year. Partnered by Jo Foster, the pair led from the start and stayed on well after the last to win a shade cosily; it surely looks as though a sub three mile hunter chase would not be out of his capabilities. Quechua Des Obeaux ran her best race this season for Sam Drake and could go one better next time, whilst Cottam Phantom still found these fast conditions on the easy side, but ran respectably in third.
The Tuttys almost completed a hat-trick with their horses really hitting form now, as Saddlers Mot was only narrowly defeated in the Restricted. The race went the way of in-form jockey Daryll Millar, who looks to be deputising for the injured Dawson brothers. Yes I Can and Saddlers Mot disputed the lead down the run-in with the winner getting the upper hand at the last and staying on well to record his second course success. Saddlers Mot was second with Skarmanche, who was a little disappointing, in third, but if resurfacing could take the beating.
Arty Farmer looked to be much better suited to a shorter trip in the 2m4f Open Maiden after finishing a tired second at Whitwell. Always prominent, Richard Smith's mount stayed on very well after the last and held on from the eye-catching Dingo Bay, who also stayed on strongly from the rear and looks one who will soon go one better. Dick Reilly was always in rear and was nearest at the finish, suggesting a stronger test of stamina should see him in better effect.
Daryll Millar completed a double in the last with the Chris Dawson-trained Silk And Roses. The pair led entering the straight and quickened clear after the last to hold off the staying on Rosie Du Berlais and Paul Frank, who ran a much improved race, with the favourite Murphy's Beau only managing third.
The Members race went the way of long standing maiden Devils And Dust, partnered by Paul Collins. Settled behind his two rivals, the pair led three from home and stayed on strongly after the last to hold off Busky Run, whilst Oaklands Somethin faded on the run-in to finish third.
