01 February 2012 Preview: Tweseldown Racing Club - Tweseldown
by Robin Gray
Tweseldown Racing Club has taken a bumper entry of 124 for the six race programme starting at 12.30pm on Sunday 5th February.
With race safety limits set at 20 however, at least three divided races are possible, although the two principal events will not be affected.
The Mens Open, run in memory of the late Philip Scouller, Tweseldown's winning most rider, is worth £450 to the winner while the AGA sponsored Ladies Open has a first prize of £275.
Sandhurst Area Champion Trainer of last season, Tom Lacey, has generously sponsored the Maiden Race - and also the Maiden at Hackwood Park at the end of March.
'I expect to have two runners on Sunday, in the hope of matching last year's double on the course,' said Lacey.
Philip York, runner-up in last year's National Riders Championship, has struggled to add to the single winner he has ridden so far this season. He has several options in most of the races but will not make his choices until Friday.
'One I definitely do ride is Charlotte's Ball, trained by my dad near Guildford, in the Maiden at the end of the day,' he said.
Rabbit infestation on the approach to the first fence means this obstacle will be by-passed leaving a total of 16 to be tackled.
'The start will now be on the landing side of that fence and races will be slightly shorter, with a long run in to the winning post.' said Tweseldown Club Secretary Steven Astaire.
Major groundworks are needed to eliminate the rabbit problem. There has been insufficient time to allow fresh ground to settle to a safe racing surface, but the track is expected to return to normal next season.
Entrance to the course is £15 per car and driver - £10 for each additional adult. Under 16s admitted free.
Tweseldown post code, GU52 8DY, is half a mile south of Fleet on the B3013.
Finally - up-to-date information is available on www.tweseldownracingclub.com
For going updates and meeting information, call Talking Point on 09068 44 60 61. For a list of entries via fax, call 09068 44 99 88. All calls cost 61p/min plus network extras.
