05 May 2009 Report: Zetland - Witton Castle
by Will Milburn
CHUMMY'S DOUBLE AND WANTAGE ROAD:
photo: Jon Hodd
The Zetland Point-to-Point held its meeting on Bank holiday Monday and despite the cold and windy conditions, huge crowds turned out to see some excellent racing. Richard Smith was the jockey in form with two winners, or as the announcer described, one-and-a-half winners.
The day started with a real thriller in the Hunt Members race. Ed Cameron had made all the running aboard Phairy Storm and looked confident coming to the last, but under a power packed ride from Richard Smith Loaded Dice joined him in the line, resulting in a dead heat.
The Mens Open provided a real shocker as 14-1 shot L'Oudon beat the red hot favourite Sonevafushi. Jake Greenall looked to have the race won turning in, but his mount fount little when pressed by the winner and faded into third. Belem Ranger stayed on really well from the rear to take second.
The Ladies Open saw a really competitive event. The field was soon strung out as several of them set an extremely strong pace. This played into the Lutin du Moulin's hands - the gelding sat in behind the trailblazers and scooted past them in the straight. Keeverfield, who was always handy, kept on for second, with Jimmys Duky back in third.
The Restricted race provided a very competitive event and Chummy's Double, who threw away his chance at Easingwold, bounced back in style. John Dawson's mount was always travelling well in midfield and when asked stayed on well after the last. Wantage Road flew from the rear but clearly did not want to win, and finished second yet again.
The Intermediate race saw Abandon Ship win in style after a run of placed efforts. Richard Smith's mount stayed on well up the straight and was well clear jumping the last, and beat the Scottish horse Almost Blue, who was given far too much to do. High Moor ran with great credit in third.
Division One of the Maiden saw the well backed Eldon Endeavour and Chris Dawson win with relative ease, while Division Two saw a very lucky winner in the shape of Robin De La Folie, who took full advantage of Chapel House's fall when well clear three out.
