THRILLS and spills entertained the crowds at the point to point races organised by the East Cornwall Hunt on Sunday. There was a big shock in the mixed open race at Great Trethew near Liskeard when odds-on favourite Southwestern crashed out at the first fence. Both horse and rider Neil Harris escaped without injury, with the jockey reporting that his mount ‘never lifted a leg’. More drama came at the same fence next time round when joint leader Karinga Coin fell and brought down Polinamix. This left the way open for Joaaci, ridden by John Monk, to claim victory. Bishy Barnaby won the confined race impressively on the very sticky ground. ‘He is a bit special but hated the ground today,’ said trainer Gordon Chambers. Bishy Barnaby’s jockey Matt Griffiths had earlier initiated a double when King’s Bench won one of a quartet of young horse maiden races. Owned by Laura Claydon, the winner is trained by Ashley Farrant who said: ‘I have always liked him and he has loads of potential.’ Nineteen-year-old Saltash-born jockey James Best also recorded his first double, both horses being trained by the meeting’s entries secretary, Jackie du Plessis. A walkover for Walter De Wodeland in the Cornish Times- sponsored members’ race was followed by a comfortable victory for Jayjay Valentine in one of the maidens. This six-year-old was bred by St Mellion-based owner Robin Reip. The easiest of the maiden winners was Fountains Cloud, jointly owned by his rider Jim Cole and David Stephens, who made all the running to take the race by 15 lengths. In contrast, the mare My Nicole and debutant Cornish Ice were engaged in a stirring battle before the mare prevailed by a head in the remaining maiden race. Josh Guerriero was the successful rider for the Stormy Ladies’ Partnership, led by Jill Dennis. Merriott’s Oscar stayed on gamely to hold off True Tara in the older horses’ maiden race. Madam Noso ridden by T Chanin won the restricted race.

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Race thrills and spills - Friday, 05/Mar/2010