04 May 2011 Report: Zetland - Witton Castle
by Will Milburn
TOPINAMBOUR: Notched up a first Mens Open win at Witton Castle
photo: Grace Beresford
The Zetland Hunt were blessed with glorious weather on Easter Monday which drew in a very large crowd and despite conditions being on the fast side, it did not deter any of the runners, who turned out in force.
The most competitive race of the day came in the Ladies Open and saw Yorkshire's two leading Lady riders battle it out. Jacqueline Coward bounced back from injury to win aboard Cottam Phantom and was recording a first victory since her accident. The winner had showed only modest form so far this season, however has been waiting for firm ground and seemingly relished it here. Sam Drake was the main danger back in second aboard Keeverfield who didn't seem at his best on this ground, whilst Madison De Vonnas who was prominent throughout stayed on well in the closing stages and continues to run consistently for Emma Todd.
Ryan Winks showed an excellent display of riding aboard Max And Mix in the Open Maiden. The pair made most of the running, and though hanging badly on the tight bends and forfeiting huge amounts of ground, pilot Ryan Winks soon re-established his lead and stay on in emphatic style to win. Botaldor ran possibly his best race so far back in second, whilst Llobo was a length behind on only his third racecourse appearance.
The Mens Open looked a modest event on paper with only three runners. Tom Greenwood took the honours with Topinambour, settled towards the rear of the trio. Tom made a sweeping move entering the straight and truly sprinted clear after two out, with the favourite Go Moss Go looking one paced back in second and having little response to the winner. Topinambour was given to the Greenwood family by Richard Ford who thought he would make a good hunter, but has now given Tom his first two victories between the flags.
The Members race saw an action packed finish between The Stickler and Roman Cruise. Despite making several mistakes in the home straight, Richard Smith galvanised his mount after the last to deprive Roman Cruise and Ian Smith near the line. Captainbruce was a long way back in third, whilst Chris Gibbon who looked the most experienced of the heavyweight contingent finished a respectable fourth aboard his own Canderbrook.
The Restricted race saw Once Before finally get off the mark for Jo Foster. The pair were in front from two out and had to fend off the advances of Mark Walford and Dark Night who came from off the pace; however, Once Before was much the better horse and stayed on well at the finish to win. Tara's Joy was somewhat unlucky after slipping on the bend and losing several lengths, but Colm McCormack's mount stayed on very well at the finish and is one to note.
The Intermediate went the way of Barry The Cracker and David Jeffreys. The pair set a modest pace and although challenged four out, the pair got the better jump at the last and stayed on well to hold off The Viking back in second. Joseph, the final contender, never looked in the race and came home in third.
