19 March 2008 Old Berks - Lockinge
Lockinge: the final furlong
The count down to Easter Monday is upon us and the adrenalin is flowing for another year's competitive racing.
Should Claire Matheson decide to take the Members' Race route rather than the Restricted, expect an exciting clash between Claire - last year's winner on Meandmrsjones - and Tessa Good, who will be determined to reverse last year's form on her new horse The Baillie.
VWH member Johnny Manners, a sterling supporter of Lockinge who trains at Highworth, has made plenty of entries including Man from Highworth who finished 12th of 23 runners in the Christie's Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on 14th March. Man from Highworth landed the Coronation Cup Point to Point classic on his last start before Cheltenham; however his return to racing under rules didn't see him jump quite so well.
Mel in Blue is the only entry this year from Robert Waley-Cohen's string, with his son Sam, 5th placed jockey in the 2007 Grand National, booked to ride in the Men's Open. The horse has shown plenty of ability under Rules with five wins from 16 starts - he was back to winning ways last season in a hunter chase at Stratford and most recently campaigned at the Cheltenham Festival. We look forward to seeing this partnership in action at Lockinge.
Those who love a blast from the past also very much hope to see Gunther McBride, a past winner of the Racing Post Chase under Richard Johnson. Originally trained by Phillip Hobbs, he achieved nine wins from 33 starts and won nearly £240,000.00 in a racing career that lasted some six years under Rules. Now trained by Michael Tuckey, who hopes to have at least two runners at Lockinge, the 13 year old Gunter is expected to compete in the Men's Open.
Another horse to watch out for is Moscow Court, 2nd in a hunter chase at Stratford on 10th March, and entered for the Men's Open. He's owned and trained by Mrs Plunkett, mother of broadcaster Alice Fox-Pitt who scored a double at Lockinge last year.
There is plenty to do for those who arrive early - gates will be open from 9.30am: Terrier racing - 11.30 hrs; Birds of Prey - 12.00 noon; Old Berks hound parade - 12.30 hrs; First Race - 13.30 hrs.
Race Sponsors: Kidson-Trigg; Arkells; Volkswagen Touareg; James French 4x4; Darbys; Motorworld; Pinewood School
Admission £20.00 or £25.00 per car, £10.00 single occupancy (£5.00 pedestrians); Race cards available at £3.00 each or 2 for £5.00.
