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photo: Jon Hodd

The Ladies were the ones in form this weekend on what turned out to be a fantastic days racing.

Joanna Mason rode a double for her mother and father, whilst her aunt Cherry Coward trained two winners and the useful mares Poppy Day and Piece Of Magic both won in style.

Joanna Mason got her double under way in the Ladies Open with Poppy Day, who was always travelling well in mid-field and after three out challenged Wilfie Wild for the lead; Poppy Day stayed on the best after the last to beat the ever-so-game veteran Wilfie Wild with Narcisco in third. Poppy Days dam, Snappy, was given to Susan Mason by Mick Easterby in foal, with Poppy Day the resulting foal; she looks to have a fantastic partnership with Joanna Mason who has been riding exceptionally well this season.

Joanna continued her good run in the first division of the Open Maiden. Liverpool improved on his two previous outings this season and led a long way from home; Spirit Of Man made good headway to chase the leader, however Joanna Mason drove her mount clear. O'gara showed improved form in third.

The Members race went to the way of the locally-trained Boxbury for the Willy Bethell team. Mark Walford restrained his mount and crept through the race; jumping the last there were three in a row but Walford galvanised his mount to win by a head, beating the two veterans Beauchamp Oracle and Snizort. This was the Bethells first winner at the track in the last four years.

Cherry Coward started her quick double with Gunner Jack, who was restrained well in rear and made smooth headway to track long time leader One Five Eight, whilst Dannymolone also moving up well; however Gunner Jack's class began to show jumping the last as he pulled clear with One Five Eight four lengths back in second, whilst Dannymolones effort petered out after the second last leaving him in third.

Cherry's double was completed with the useful Laertes, who also contributed to Tom Greenalls four timer. Laertes was sent off at long odds on and made most of the running but had to be shaken up after two out as Ask Bobby tried to make a race of it; Laertes soon found more, whilst Smart Thinker came in a modest third. Laertes may not contest the Grimthorpe Gold Cup if the ground is on the quick side, however sights may now be set on a Hunter Chase at Stratford.

One of the most exciting horses of the day was seen in the Restricted. Mr Davies' Piece Of Magic was held up at the back for much the race and cruised through the field to join Forge Valley between the last two fences. Tom Greenall's mount soon found another gear and quickened away up the straight to win impressively, with Forge Valley running well in second and a reluctant-looking The Tinkerator in third.

Piece Of Magic was bought from Doncaster sales by David and Mick Easterby and was previously owned by the Wahey-Cohens, however they may be regretting letting this one go now after making a mere 2000 pounds.

The day came to an end the second leg of the Open Maiden, which saw Mr Gossip never off the bridle to win at long odds on. Bring It On travelled well through the race and was the only one to challenge the favourite, whilst Lady Hills took a distant third.

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