13 January 2009 Preview: West Street Tickham at Detling
BG MOMENT: a winner at Cottenham in November is entered in the Ladies Open
The South East starts its Point-to-Point season at Detling this Sunday (January 18th) with a high quality entry of 135 horses.
Reigning men's champion Stuart Robinson plans to run three - Parzando in the Restricted, Magnus Veritas in the Members' and Lord Atterbury in the Men's Open. Lord Atterbury, who had a limited campaign in 2008, was third in the 2004 Grand National. This former Cheltenham Foxhunters favourite will be looking to add to his tally of three Point-to-Point wins.
Sadly Marcus Gorman's promising novice Merry Vic is out for the season, but he brings two to Detling: The Tailor Carey in the Members' and Cotton Bay in the Restricted. Both will benefit from the outing.
Another expected to be better for the run is Supreme Vintage in the PPORA Novice race. Ridden by Tom Cheeseman for his father Martin, the former hurdler has won three Point-to-Points but trainer Chris Lawson reports that he has been held up in his work.
Lisa Stock has Cedar Chief primed for the Ladies' Open, which may also feature Beadnell Bay (winner of seven races), the November Cottenham winner Big Moment from the Jenny Gordon yard, and recent Irish import Letterman as well as winning hurdler Roaringwater. Hannah Grissell will be on-board Myson if the ground isn't too soft, but has yet to choose between the Ladies' and the Members'.
Philip Hall trains Star Gift, who makes his debut in the Maiden and Highland Chief is aimed at the Members'. Both are said to be in good form. Hall also rides the Folkestone hunter 'chase winner Glenbower Woods in the Mens' Open.
Detling racecourse is on the A249, three miles NE of junction 7 on the M20 near Maidstone. First race is 12.00pm and admission costs £25 per car, £5 for pedestrians. There is a £10 concession for a car and single driver.
