© Olivia Pile
Despite wet conditions approximately four thousand visitors enjoyed six jumps races and two pony races, with Lt Cdr Sollitt riding the twelve-year-old Spanish Arch securing an impressive twenty-five-length win in the second – The PPORA Club Members Conditions race.
Vikki, who is a mother, and an officer in the Royal Navy working for the Assistant Chief of defence staff in logistics at Abbey Wood in Bristol, and lives in Tewkesbury said:
“I bought this horse out of Martin Keighley’s yard to get around the military races at Sandown, he gave me two great spins round there and this is my sixth ride and my first win. I am absolutely thrilled, especially with Spanish Arch!”
The opening race went to Camilla Henderson riding Medieval Chapel, who were following up on a second win in this race two years ago. The combination were the only finishers, after the long-time leader Gizzit fell at the last fence and the other two runners pulled up. The grey is owned by Champion jumps trainer, Nicky Henderson, who was watching on and trained by Georgie Nicholls, who also saddled her first point-to-point winner.
Camilla said:
“I am thrilled, Medieval Chapel is a fantastic campaigner and deserves this, as we haven’t won since here two years ago. Today is extra special as Lockinge is my local course and there are a lot of family and friends here in support – we will celebrate tonight”.
© Olivia Pile
Beat The Tide was the eventual winner of the third race, the mixed open, after a dramatic photo finish with Abricot De L’Oasis. Looking like the easy winner in the closing stages of the race, Abricot De L’Oasis hanged towards the paddock on the run in, losing valuable ground and handing the race to Beat The Tide and jockey Ben Robarts.
Ben, who works for leading jumps trainer Philip Hobbs, said:
“He jumped well on the first circuit, and then tired a bit on the second, so we lost a bit of ground over some fences and I thought we would have to settle for second. However, the one in front jinked on the run in, opening the door for us, and Beat The Tide rallied hard and managed to just get his head in front. I feel a bit sorry for Freddie Henderson (eventual second) as it was unfortunate for him, but I’m delighted for us!”.
Owner-trainer Tim Underwood was all smiles after Tempelpirate recorded his nineteenth win in the fourth, the PPORA Club Members’ Conditions Race for Veteran and Novice Riders. Held up by Phil York, the eleven-year-old at the final fence loomed onto the heels of the front-running Cadeau George ridden by Dougie Gittins, and then managed to just hold them off to win the race by a length.
Fred Hutsby, who trains at Wellesbourne in Warwickshire, was impressed by the manner of Mistercobar’s victory in the fifth race – the restricted. The six-year-old forged clear when asked to quicken by jockey Sam Lee to follow up his Kingston Blount maiden win with a three-lengths success over Order In Court.
Chipping Norton based trainer, Howard Pauling and Whin Park landed the sixth the Open Maiden. Jockey Peter Mason rode wide on the six-year-old in search of better ground, and his mount eased clear from the fourth-last to come home ten lengths ahead of Redmond Hall.
The twelve-year-old, joined Pauling after failing to shine under rules with his son, jumps trainer Ben.
Pauling Snr said:
“He didn’t really enjoy himself, so we have taken him to point-to-pointing to enjoy life, and he seems to be doing just that.”
Two pony races kicked off the day, with Lambourn’s Thomas Bradburne, 11, taking the Pinewood Perpetual Trophy for 138cm and Under event on Push The Button. Edward Vaughan, 10, son of trainer Tim Vaughan, from Cowbridge, near Cardiff, finished second on Nomoranun, before going one better in the Pinewood Perpetual Trophy for 148cm and Under race aboard Peateaoh.
For more information: www.obhpointtopoint.co.uk
