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THE HOOKIE BOOKIE: Likely to be sent off favourite in the Ladies Open
photo: Jackie Oliver

The first of two South Midland Area meetings will be held on Saturday from Kimble, which is situated just off the B4009 Chinor to Aylesbury road, postcode HP17 8TB. Clerk of the Course Cindy Sutcliffe reports that watering has been taking place and will continue in order to create good ground. Kimble is a once a year track; the course is level with an excellent grass covering.

First race is due off at 1pm and the likely huge Easter crowd can enjoy some highly competitive racing.

Twenty entries have been received for the Confined Hunts race where there will be a special prize for the first Kimblewick Hunt-qualified partnership past the post due to the loss of the Hunt race itself. Heading the entries here is Ocean Du Moulin who will be ridden by Gaby Hill and will be hoping to win again following victory at Kingston Blount recently. Prince Of Persia, who finished a very close second to him there, will be looking to reverse the placings. Phil York's quirky Dawn Display is an interesting entry and it would be no surprise to see him go close. Others to note are Exceptionnel and Bon Accord, who also holds an entry in the Mens Open.

The Ladies event looks as if it could be a very competitive race. Balladeer, last year's runner-up, will be bidding to go one better this time. The Hookie Bookie, who has been ultra consistent since side stepping into Ladies company this season, is likely to be sent off favourite; however, interesting entries include the Cynthia Haydon-ridden pair Roaringwater and Little Legend, who are again both very consistent. The latter is yet to contest a Ladies Open but has been in winning form in Conditions races.

The Mens Open only has ten entries, but they are of high quality. The Alan Hill-trained trio Bon Accord, Start royal and Dante's Storm head these. Others of interest are Launde, who was travelling extremely well when falling in the Aintree Fox Hunters', and Penric, who won a similar event at Hackwood park last month.

Several of interest hold entries in the Restricted race. The Karen Lawther-trained pair Caught In Time and Cavite Zeta could both run big races; the first disappointed last time but if returning to form it will be no surprise to see him run into a place, whilst the latter hasn't ran since early March and if building on his impressive maiden victory at Whitwick in February, he could make good use of his 7lb five-year-old allowance. The Jackie Hunt-trained Halfway Cut won his maiden at Maisemore Park two weeks ago and could upgrade here. Doctor Kingsley was the very good winner of the Hunt Members at Whitfield in March and is sure to show another bold bid here.

The most competitive race of the day could be the Intermediate, where although only ten are entered they all have claims. The Jenny Pigeon-trained Orient Legend is thoroughly consistent and was second in a hunter chase at Towcester recently; Little Legend, Dusshera and Thenford Ryde have also been thoroughly consistent this season and all have won Conditions races. Citizens Arrest and Commander Kev are also both in with each way chances.

After racing there will be two pony races, which promise to be as entertaining and competitive as the racing ‘proper' and provide a chance to watch the jockeys of the future.

There will be lots of trade stands, including Jack Straws Countrystore, Joules, Cotswold Teak, and Hats Off Oxford. Hot and cold food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day. Bring a picnic and come to enjoy Point-to-Point racing at its best in the glorious sunshine.

Admission costs are £30 for Reserved parking, £20 Non- reserved, Single occupancy £10, Pedestrians £5 and children free.

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