Point-to-point champion crowned at Exeter’s finale
The curtain comes down on Exeter’s season next Tuesday when the winner of the prestigious intermediate point-to-point final will be crowned.
Eight qualifying races took place across the Devon and Cornwall point-to-point area and all 45 horses horses that came under starters’ orders are qualified to participate in Tuesday’s grand finale
The series started at Black Forest Lodge in November. That day the imposing grey Argentato made all under 17-year-old Jordan Nailor who comes from Moreton In the Marsh and works for jumps trainer Charlie Longsford.
At the Tiverton meeting at Chipley Park David Gibbs saddled the consistent mare My Coranna to win for owner Claire Sheriff with his son Bradley on board.
Robin De Souza was the winner at the Western meeting held at Wadebridge with Darren Edwards in the saddle and the intermediate final has been the season-long target for the Dean Summersby-trained six-year-old.
Jo Buck rode the first of her brace of intermediate winners at Ottery St Mary where the Leslie Jefford-trained Master Baker romped home by 20 lengths.
Jo also scored on Its All or Nothing for owner Rob White and trainer Charlotte Rowe at the Spooners and West Dartmoor meeting at Cherrybrook. Charlotte trains the winner at Tedburn St Mary for owner Rob White, who runs the Blacksmith’s Arms pub at Lamerton.
Josh Newman, who is based at Ali Stronge’s yard near Hungerford, won on Sea Bear at Buckfastleigh and at Great Trethew the Kayley Woollacott-trained Devon General won for owners Ruth and Jonn Burow.
John Mathias rode a patient race on Winter Soldier at Kilworthy sending his mount clear up the final hill. Ces Mitford-Slade trains the home bred gelding for himself and joint owner Lucy Fielding-Johnson at their Pontispool Equine Sports Centre at Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton.
Exeter’s General Manager Dan Thompson said: “The racecourse is really pleased to support point-to-pointing which has a terrific following in the Westcountry. The series gives people a chance to get their foot in the door and give hunter chasing a go.” He added: “Our finale is always a really great evening and a lot of point-to-point people come along to cheer on the horses they know and love. Live music after racing will add to the atmosphere.”
Area chairman Gordon Chambers said: “We are so thrilled and pleased to have the continuing support of the racecourse and its fitting that the grand finale takes place at the racecourse’s final meeting of the season.”
The first of six races gets under starters orders at 5.45pm with the intermediate final the fifth race on the card. A free bus to the racecourse leaves Exeter St Davids at 4.05pm and Exeter Bus and Coach Station at 4.20pm and returns 30 minutes after the last race.
To pre-book tickets call the ticket hotline 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Exeter Racecourse Intermediate Final Roll Call of Winners
Tuesday May 5, 2015 The Wealerdealer (I Chanin) 11/4 Mr I Chanin
Tuesday May 6 2014 Bradley Brook (N Martin) 3/1 D Edwards
Tuesday May 7 2013 King of Alcatraz (RC Smith) 7/4 Miss V Wade
Tuesday May 8, 2012 Kirkleigh (R B CHanin) 6/1 Mr I Chanin
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 Arbour Hill (Mr H Wilson) 11/4 Mr Mark Wall
Tuesday May 4, 2010 Glacial Call (Mrs Nikki Frost) 7/2 Mr R Hawkins
Tuesday May 5, 2009 2009 King’s Wood (Ashley Farrant) 11/4 Darren Edwards
