25 February 2008 Grove & Rufford - Welbeck
Ballylusky: a top class performer
There looks to be some exciting racing in prospect, with a very good entry of 158 horses, when the Grove & Rufford hold their annual meeting this coming Sunday. The racecourse is renowned as one of the prettiest parkland courses in the country with views of outstanding beauty. The racing surface is in tip top condition and going at present looks good. The first race is scheduled for a 12.00 noon start.
First race up at midday is the Confined Race, kindly sponsored by Avocet Hardware. The race has attracted an entry of 18. Sea Ferry looks to be the form horse here and is the likely mount of Jill Dawson. However Vics Last Chance won at Thorpe Lodge last season and ran in a Hunter Chase at Leicester recently. Bulmer Bank, the probable mount of Joe Docker was second at Thorpe in December and commands respect.
Twenty horses are entered for the first division of the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club Members race for novice riders. This could throw up a good finish between Nokimover, third in a novice riders event at Horseheath and Rainbow Tree, third in two Ladies Open races this year. The first three horses and riders past the post are eligible to run in the £1,000 Dodson & Horrell Novice Riders Series Final at Tabley on 18th May.
The second division of this race has attracted an entry of 19 and could rest between Cold Play, second last weekend at Market Rasen, and West Coaster, who was a decent neck second at Duncombe Park in February.
The Olde Bell, a popular Hotel and Restaurant in Barnby Moor have sponsored the Mens Open Race which has 25 entries, and could turn out to be a top race. Ballylusky is consistent and could have Richard Burton on board. The Gerald Bailey stable has both Denvale and My Best Buddy entered. The former is now owned by Richard Hunnisett, who is likely to take the ride. My Best Buddy has already won this year and will be ridden by Dickie Barrett. However, another in with a shout is Steppes of Gold who ran Ballylusky close at Garthorpe last year and has the services of Alex Merriam.
The Ladies Open Race has attracted an entry of 15. Suzuki UK are first time sponsors here and this race looks very interesting. The Hutchinson stable in Leicestershire have Free entered. This thirteen year old has already won this year. Nevertheless the finish could rest between Jill Dawson's choice of Sir Storm and, last weeks winner, Virgin Soldier, and the Jackie Coward pair of Narcisco and Charlies Memory.
21 horses are entered for the Maiden Race for 8 year olds and over and the race is sponsored by Camwatch, the Security people. This looks a tricky race to call but Yeabut, who has ran second twice this year, may take the spoils.
Next race up is the Maiden Race for 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds, to be run over 2½ miles and, owing to the number of entries, this race is again divided and is kindly sponsored by MCR Technologies. There are 20 entries in division 1 and 19 in the second division.
Welbeck racecourse is situated some 4 miles SW of Worksop on the Ollerton road (use exit 30, M1). Two pony races will take place following the final race. Admission prices are £5 per person, (£20 per car of 4) with single car occupants £10. Pedestrians £5 each, children under 16 free.
