15 April 2010 Report: Wessex Area
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
Brian and Gill Armstrong report on all of the action in the Wessex Area last weekend.
PORTMAN - BADBURY RINGS
Ashclyst put up a superb front-running performance to land the Intermediate race at Badbury Rings. Michael Miller sent Sue Trump's eight-year-old straight into the lead and the pair maintained a 15-length advantage throughout. "Ashclyst's regular rider Darren Edwards is at Great Trethew, so I asked Michael, who I regard as the Badbury Rings specialist, to ride", said Honiton trainer Leslie Jefford, who was National Champion rider in 2000 with 42 winners. "Our horse settles well these days and Michael has given him a brilliant ride from the front".
John Daniell - named after the 1961 National Champion rider - impressed with his one-length win in the Maiden contest. "He's my pocket rocket", smiled jockey Amanda Bush, whose mother Ollie Bush trains the five-year-old. She added: "He was awesome today. I had to keep taking pulls and Michael Miller looked across at the third last and couldn't believe how well we were going". Ollie said: "He's home-bred out of Hottentot, who won two races for John in 2003. John got me started in hunting and racing and I'm so pleased that the horse has won for him and is carrying his name. John has been in a nursing home lately but he's coming out next week. He and the horse are the same - they're as hard as nails".
Pertinent (Dan Collins) led throughout the final circuit of the Novice Riders race to deny current Leading Horse Fully Loaded, who was seeking a seventh win of the season. Wellow owner-trainer Charles Whittaker felt that a Newton Abbot hunter chase could be next on the agenda.
Jack Barber took his seasonal tally to 10 with a double on Thisthatandtother and My Minds Maid, both trained by Jack's grandfather, Richard Barber. Thisthatandtother broke six minutes in the Mens Open after a battle over the last six fences with stable companion Mustangsallyrally (Ryan Mahon). My Minds Maid, owned by Jack's mother, Sarah Barber, put up a fine jumping performance to lead throughout the final circuit of the Restricted.
Sam Allwood also reached double figures on Trade Off, who came back to his best with a fine round of jumping in the Hunt race. "He pulled up at Larkhill but had twisted his pelvis and put two lumber muscles out", explained Bill Dupont, co-owner with Ann Tory. "He thought he was going hunting when he came into the paddock and saw the Portman hounds parading, so he's enjoyed himself today", added Ann.
The Eric Dymott Trophy for the best novice rider at Badbury Rings this season was presented by Eric's widow, Brenda, to Lucy Pugsley.
WEST SOMERSET VALE - COTHELSTONE
Josh Guerriero rode his first-ever treble at Cothelstone on Sunday. Le Forezien (Hunt race), Weather Permitting (Restricted) and Rapid Pete (Maiden) provided Josh's three wins.
Le Forezien was never in danger after overtaking favourite Arctic Ghost (Matt Griffiths) on the final climb. "We've had him for seven years since we bought him out of an Auteuil seller as a four-year-old, he's won over hurdles and fences for my husband Carroll and now a point-to-point for me", explained Bridgwater owner-trainer Christine Gray.
Weather Permitting and Rapid Pete are ex-David Pipe inmates now trained at Witheridge by Andy and Ollie Jackson. The former led throughout the last half-mile of the Restricted to follow up his South Devon Maiden race success. "He's getting the hang of this, but credit goes to his back lady, Lindy Mitchell, who works on him once a fortnight", said Andy. Rapid Pete gave owner Derek Lovell his first outright win, although the retired farmer was a part-owner of last year's Stafford Cross winner Major Matt. Ollie said: "It's Derek's first winner, our first double since we started training from home, and my sister [Dominique Green] has had a winner at Andoversford, so it's been a good day".
Nick Williams rode his 99th point-to-point winner on Denise and Philip Williams' Irish bargain Diamondaire in the first 2m4f Maiden. "He was as cheap as chips", beamed Philip, paying his first visit to the Somerset venue. "Tabitha Cave recommended we bring him here - we'll be back".
Jack Barber obeyed his grandfather Richard's instructions perfectly on Le Duc, who led after the second last in the Mixed Open. "Father said ‘challenge as late as you dare' and Jack's got it dead right", said Jack's father, Jeremy. The Boss Roche looked likely to bring up Nick Williams' century when smoothly moving to the front on the final climb, but Pauline Geering's 10-year-old quickly faded out of contention.
Astania, who had unseated Matt Griffiths at the Quantock Staghounds when bang in contention, made amends under the Minehead rider in the second 2m4f Maiden. "It's all credit to [Spaxton trainer] Marie [McGuinness]", beamed John Sherwin, head of the six-strong International Men of Mystery Partnership. "Marie bought Astania, taught her to settle, taught her to jump, and Marie will decide where Astania runs next".
Saorsie, trained by Tina Porter for Marie's near neighbour Kate Houghton, landed the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders' race. Initially held up in rear, Saorsie led over the last three fences to complete a weekend double for jockey Dan Collins after Pertinent's Badbury Rings win the previous day.
