02 June 2011 Preview: Exmoor - Bratton Down
by Lucy Johnson
DELOUGHTANE: Looking to continue a successful season following his recent Ladies Open win
photo: Tim Holt
An inch of rain at Bratton Down means the going has improved in time for Saturday's Point-to-Point according to secretary Barbara Thomas of the Exmoor Foxhounds, who added that the ground will be Agri-vated as necessary.
Entries for the meeting include two of the most prolific horses to race this season, the Myfanwy Miles' pair Lady Myfanwy and Findlay's Find, both trained in South Wales.
The former is entered in the Ladies Open where connections will be hoping she adds to the four wins she has already scored this season between the flags.
Stable mate Findlay's Find is entered in the Mens Open where he could add to the eight successes he has gained this season which have put him at the head of the national leading horse championship alongside Freddies Return. The five-year-old has had 12 starts in all, winning eight of them and being placed on three occasions. The other time his rider Nick Williams was unseated when hampered in a hunter chase at Cheltenham. He could face opposition from the Richard Barber-trained Flanshan who has rattled up three wins this term.
Racing kicks off with the Members Race at 2pm and the four entries include Deloughtane, who won the Ladies Open at the course two weeks ago with his regular partner Alice Pearn on board. He'll be a warm order to follow up.
Thirteen are entered in the Restricted including the Sarah Tickle-trained Wanna Do A Deal, who has form on fast ground, Party Pictures, who was second at Cothelstone recently, and Josiah Bay who was finally rewarded with a win at Flete after plenty of consistent efforts.
In the Intermediate, Eslin Bridge came home unchallenged at Holnicote recently while Portrait Games won the Restricted in good style at the Four Burrow meeting.
Derniere Dancer is among the 17 entries in the concluding Maiden Race. He was beaten a head by In The Dock at the course a couple of weeks ago and will be well fancied to win on Saturday.
As well as the racing there will be all the usual trade stands, refreshments and a bar available which will ensure it's a great day out for all the family.
Entrance is £20 car for driver and passengers, or single occupancy £10 car & driver.
The course is situated nine miles north east of Barnstaple on the A399, 11 miles north of North Molton, postcode EX31 4SG.
