01 February 2011 Preview: Old Raby Hunt Club - Witton Castle
by Charlotte Brader
The Old Raby Hunt Club Point-to-Point takes place at Witton Castle on Sunday 5th February with the first race due off at 12.00 noon.
142 Entries have been received for the six-race card, with the biggest field coming in the Open Maiden race which is the last of the day and has 35.
The first race is the Old Raby Hunt Club Members Maiden Conditions Race which has received 13 Entries. The Dawson team are very good supporters of this race and the winner will more than likely come from their stable.
The second race is the Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate race. This race is one of 20 qualifiers throughout the UK and the first four in each qualifying race and winners of other Intermediate races qualify for the Final at Cheltenham's Hunter Chase evening on Wednesday 4th May 2011.
Connollys Red Mills continue to support Point-to-Points as they feel that the success of the Intermediate series over the past few seasons is a natural progression that mirrors their growth in the UK horse feed market. Liverpool put in a very impressive effort to win at the North Carlton meeting and there is no reason why he shouldn't go close again in the hands of Joanna Mason.
The Ladies Open race has received 20 Entries and Spellchecker, who ran a close fifth at Alnwick, should improve for the run and is likely to be in the shake up.
The Restricted looks like a very competitive affair but the two main contenders are Forge Valley and Out To Lunch who are both consistent sorts and should gain a Restricted before the season finishes.
Witton Castle is located off the A68 in County Durham and the postcode for satellite navigation is DL14 0DE. The course affords good viewing; it is located at the bottom of a hill with viewing from the side of the hill, although the start can be obscured by trees. Admission is £10 for single occupants, £20 for two people in one car and £5 for an additional person in the car.
To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.
*Service provided by Bluetogreen Ltd LS7 1PZ, company wholly independent of Weatherbys Ltd. Calls charged at 60p/min. Charges from non BT lines & mobiles may be higher. Terms & conditions at bluetogreen.co.uk. Customer Support Line 0844 993 0298.
