News

BISHY BARNABY: could step up in grade to contest the Mens Open
photo: Tim Holt

Sunday's Point-to-Point at Buckfastleigh has everything for the perfect treat on Mother's Day, including an array of tradestands, a variety of catering options and what looks sure to be top class racing.

The meeting features the Devon and Cornwall leg of the Weekender/Brightwells Insurance Order of Excellence, the involvement of which means means the Westcountry Champion Chase Mixed Open is the first race of the season worth more than £1,000 to the winner. The placed horses will receive extra cash too.

The winner will receive £700 prize-money, plus 14 points in the Order of Excellence worth £420 (£30 per point). The runner-up will get £200 prize-money, plus seven points worth £210, the third will receive £100 prize-money, plus three points worth £90.

There are 17 horses entered and the race is sure to live up to its billing; possible runners include course winner Whizzaar, who finished second in a Hunter Chase last week, along with Coronation Cup winner Coome Hill, but Carl Ferminger's progressive Bishy Barnaby could be an interesting contender as he faces his first test in Open company. The nine-year-old has done very little wrong, winning easily at the course a month ago and then following up with a 30-length win at Great Trethew; this is a tougher race but given the speed and accuracy of his jumping and the ease with which he travels in his race, win number three for the season is not out of the question.

First race of the meeting is the Hunt Members, off at 1.00pm; Josiah Bay could improve on his third place at the course last month.

The Open Maiden has been split into two divisions with 25 in each; horses to look out for include David Rogers' True Tara who finished second on her last start at Great Trethew and Lucy Fielding-Johnson's improving Allerford Jack.
Lucy has also entered the very smart Civil Disobedience in the intermediate and he will be a warm order to follow up his impressive win at Larkhill last month.

Course winner Thoor Ballylee is among the Confined Entries and the 18 in the Restricted include Irish Vixen and Lord Lescribaa, who both won Maiden races at the course in February.

The course is situated adjacent to the A38 at Buckfastleigh. Entrance is £20 per car or £10 per car and one occupant.

Back to Top