25 March 2009 Preview: Hampshire - Hackwood Park
Sandhurst Area Point-to-Point racing gets under way at last at Hackwood Park, Basingstoke on Sunday 29 March. With three meetings lost to the weather, local trainers are anxious to be in action without having to travel to distant meetings.
None moreso that Victoria Collins who could bring as many as eight horses from her yard near Alresford.
"As my stable jockey Rilly Goschen is on holiday, most of mine will be ridden by Jessie Lodge and Julia Batho, although Jockey Club Communications Director, John Maxse, will partner his own Gielgud in the Members and Whereareyounowin the Mens Open" said Collins.
Collins was impressed with Jessie Lodge, 21, who rode her first winner at Detling in Kent two weeks ago. "Jessie deserves to have more opportunities," said Collins "and she will ride Future to Future in the Ladies Open and Clover Bay in the Restricted."
Batho has ridden regularly for the trainer and on Sunday she rides Choral Dream in the Ladies, Victor Victorious in the Restricted and Raise A McGregor in the Novice Riders.
Owenabue Valley, also trained by Collins, will be partnered by his owner Tony Vadasz in the Novice Riders - "I'm just hoping for some rain to ease the ground before Sunday," said Collins.
Morestead trainer, Jenny Gordon, will also be busy at Hackwood. John Maxse rides his own Alfie's Isle in the Maiden and Anthony Ward-Thomas partners the Gordon trained Lord Alpha in the Members.
Big Moment, a winner and twice placed this season for Gordon, goes for the Ladies Open with Claire Douglas in the saddle and top amateur jockey Brian Toomey rides Attorney General in the Mens Open and the unfortunately named The Beast in the Maiden.
Earlier in the week the going with a good cover of grass was Good, Good to Firm in places and Clerk of the Course, Bill Wellings, allayed the fears of those trainers and jockeys who were unhappy about the open ditch last season. "It has been modified and was passed by BHA Course Inspector, Richard Linley - I don't think there will be any complaints," he said.
Clocks go forward on Saturday night giving a convenient post time of 2.00.pm. for the first of six Point-to-Point races. These will be preceded by Pony races at 12.45 and 1.05.pm
Cars - regardless of the number of occupants - are charged at £20 and £30.
Hackwood Park is adjacent to the M3, coming off on Exit 6 onto the A339.
