29 November 2011 Sandhurst Area Preview
by Robin Gray
The Point-to-Point racing season opened in the West Country and East Anglia last Sunday (27th November). Closer to home, Tweseldown will stage the first of three meetings on Sunday 11th December when the Hampshire course hosts the Hursley Hambledon fixture for the first time.
The Tweseldown Club meeting is scheduled for Sunday 5th February 2012 and on Sunday 4th March the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray race, following a successful first visit last season.
Local trainers, led by popular 'punters' pal', 45-year-old veteran Philip York, plans to have runners on Sunday week, when the first race is scheduled for 12 noon. York, only narrowly beaten in the National Riders Championship last season, will have up to 40 horses in training through the season which lasts until early June.
'At the moment I have 25 in full work and I expect to run a couple at Tweseldown,' he said. 'In addition I have been asked to ride one for my rival trainer Victoria Collins in the Members race!' York warmed up with a ride at Cottenham last Sunday and a couple at Folkestone the following day.
Collins, whose stable is near Alresford, starts the season with 11 horses - two of which are owned by actor Martin Clunes in partnership with accountant David Clifford.
'I will probably have my first runner at Barbury Castle next weekend (3rd December)' she said, 'but there are two definite runners at Tweseldown. Philip York rides one of them and Shane O'Keefe - who will ride most of mine this season - partners the other one.'
Morestead trainer Jenny Gordon has eight horses in her charge. Tweseldown is likely to be the scene of Launde's first run in preparation for a third attempt on the Aintree Fox Hunters' in April. Ridden by his enthusiastic owner - Anthony Ward-Thomas - Launde was brought down at the Canal Turn last year, and fell when a close third in the race eight months ago.
Jenny's best horse is Description - successful last season for his owner/rider Camilla Ewart - who will probably been seen out before Christmas.
