31 March 2008 Pytchley - Guilsborough
Joan Tice: former Master of the Pytchley, has a number entered at the meeting
On ground generally in tip top condition at this popular venue, some exciting racing looks in prospect when the Pytchley Hunt hold their annual Point-to-Point meeting at Guilsborough, on the borders of Northamptonshire, this coming Sunday.
An exceptionally good entry of 175 horses have been received for the scheduled seven race card with a first race time of 1.30 pm. Admission prices for the meeting are as last year. Following the final race two Pony Races are scheduled to take place.
The first race on the card is the Members race, sponsored by Bidwells, and has ten entries. Tallow Bridge won here last year, was successful at Thorpe earlier this season, and is the probable mount of Stuart Morris who scored a hat trick at this meeting last year. Dickie Barrett, who rides for the Bailey stable and also had three wins here last season, could ride Cheyne who won a Confined at Dingley recently. However, Persian Hero, second at Thorpe and Brocklesby this year, is just favoured.
The Confined Race, which has an entry of 24, is sporsored by local solicitors Calnan Cox. The Joan Tice trained Teeton Bollinger won on this course last year and was a neck second in a Confined race this year. Harapour won at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday and looks to be the mount of his owner Richard Hunnisett. Nevertheless, the vote goes to Longville Lad, an easy winner at Kimble two weeks ago.
Thirty horses are entered for the Ladies' Open race sponsored by Northampton Solicitors, Shoosmiths. Rider Gemma Hutchinson has the choice of Limerick Leader, an easy Dingley winner, and the thirteen year old Free, already a winner at Horseheath. Others who have outstanding chances are Honest Endeavour, a winner at Cothelstone, and Virgin Soldier, who won a similar race earlier in the season at Market Rasen.
The Men's Open race, sponsored by Abbey Ross, Property Consultants, has an entry of 27 and looks ultra competitive. The Waley-Cohen team have Irilut and Mel In Blue entered, both are Hunter Chase winners. The Hookie Bookie is also in top form and beat the Bailey horse, Denvale, recently. However, Coolefind was 4th in a Hunter Chase this year and won the Men's Open here last year and looks to be coming into form.
The Restricted race, the fifth race on the card, has an entry of 33 and is sponsored by MacIntyre Hudson, Accountants. Eydon Run was a winner at Dingley and gave rider Tom Ellis his third win of the day; Mad Victor won well at Weston Park; and Lord of The Knar and Walters Laddie have both been successful at Brocklesby Park this year. Ski Dazzle and Farmer Frank are both winners this season at Thorpe Lodge.
With 52 horses entered for the Maiden race has been divided into two divisions of 26 - both to be run over 2½ miles. In division 1, sponsored by Dallas Burston, Healthcare, Checked Shirt and Smart Mistress have been placed third at Kingston Blount and Thorpe Lodge respectively this season. However, Call Me A Lady has some form from last season when second here under Sarah Phizacklea and is preferred.
The final race of the day is division 2 of the Maiden, sponsored by Samuel Rose of Sywell, Northants. Souk Al Jabba and Beau Sam have shown a little form in maiden races so far. However, the Jill and Mike Dawson horse, Bentoto, is yet to race but is highly thought of at home.
Guilsborough Racecourse is situated near the A5199, 10 miles NW of Northampton (Exit 18 M1, or via A5199 from the A14).
