08 June 2009 Report: Pembrokeshire - Trecoed
CHOPRA'S CHOICE: caused a 25/1 shock in the Maiden
photo: Alun Sedgmore
The Pembrokeshire Point-to-Point meeting at Trecoed was not graced with the best of weather conditions but supporters enjoyed the closing meeting of the West Wales season.
Starting quietly with a two horse race, the Members saw Alan Johns and Makena came home alone after sole rival Mr Who unseated Ruth Birt-Llewellin with a circuit to go.
The Restricted race looked a competitive race on paper and it proved so in running, Burren Chieftain and Alan Johns were sent off favourite with Alan looking for a quick double. However, John Mathias, on the Debbie Faulkner trained 3-1 shot One To Note, had other ideas and under a positive ride overcame Rhys Hughes and Canndar by eight lengths. It capped a successful season for John who retained his Area Mens title by a wide margin from nearest rivals Dai Jones and Kyle Yates.
James Hooper recorded his second career win when walking over in the Mens Open aboard his parents Made In France. James has finished the 2009 season in second place along with Paul Tolman for the Area Novice Rider title, the winner being Nathan Deakin, whose third in the Open Maiden aboard Havajar secured the one point that he needed to land the Area Novice Rider title.
Havajar had disputed the lead in the Maiden until Marc Barber on Sirrell Griffiths' Ralahine took up a clear lead three out. Ralahine however looked unhappy on the downhill section and was slowly reeled in by Dai Jones on the 25-1 outsider Chopra's Choice who led after the last to record a three length win. This proved mixed emotions for Barber on the runner-up, as he is also the trainer of the winner.
Three went to post for the West Wales Area Feature Race the Ladies Open with Isabel Tompsett deputising for owner/rider Ruth Birt-Llewellin aboard Usk Valley. Ruth stood herself down from riding after her fall in the earlier Members race. Sent off the 8-11 favourite Isabel made every post a winning one - leading from flag fall to record a six lengths victory over the Worcestershire qualified raider Hi Tech Man.
Micks Prospect made his last attempt at Point-to-Pointing a winning one before embarking on what surely will be a successful career under rules in the concluding race the ‘Intermediate', his third win from four starts. Always travelling well within himself and ridden with bags of confidence by Rhys Hughes, the Abbi Vaughan trained 6 year old was able to repel the attentions of the Tom David ridden-Tanmya over the last two fences.
This brought to a close a successful season for West Wales. Despite the current economic climate, racegoer attendance has been good, with many making the most of a fun day out for the family. Plans are afoot to start 2010 earlier with a possible Area ‘Club' Meeting in early January and a public meeting is being held at the Nant-Y-Ffin, Llandissilio on Wednesday 1st July at 7:30pm to gauge support of organising such an event.
2009 West Wales Area Award winners:
West Wales Area Champion Horse: KISHA KING
Leading South Pembrokeshire Horse: DANCING CREDIT
West Wales Area Champion Maiden Horse: DOCTOR SUPREMO
Champion Ladies Horse: CHESNUT ANNIE
West Wales Riders' Championship: JOHN MATHIAS
Champion Gentleman Rider: JOHN MATHIAS
Champion Lady Rider: JODIE HUGHES
Champion Novice Rider: NATHAN DEAKIN
