Dulverton Farmers Preview Saturday

Preview by Granville Taylor on behalf of the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Association

THE Dulverton Farmers point-to-point has attracted a well balanced total of 123 entries for the meeting on their new course at Treborough Hill on Saturday (May 24^th). The meeting gets under way with the Hunt race at 2pm.

Rachael Green and Polly Gundry are still locked in battle for the National Ladies’ title. Rachael’s win on Novikova Rose at Bratton Down left her just three behind Polly, and there was no change the following day when Polly’s three rides at Clifton-on-Teme were all placed. Rachael has a strong hand in the Ladies’ at Treborough, with her boss Richard Barber able to choose between Oracle des Mottes, Rimpton Boy, Rye Brook and Reviewer. Polly’s best chance looks to rest with Dr Cerullo, but the in-form Kingsmill Lake could spoil the party for the leading Ladies’.

Range Rover is the Barber nomination for the Men’s Open, where the 20 entries also include recent winners Barney Blue, Dad Says Heazle, Askers Jack, Diamond Monroe and Here Comes Harry. Richard Woollacott has been in unstoppable form lately and can choose between Concert Pianist and The King’s Fling.

Woollacott has Vauterhill winner Two Mile Oak, Primitive Quest and Austin Approved amongst the 25 entries for the Restricted. This race looks particularly competitive with several progressive Maiden winners likely to line up. Rachael Green can ride Cotley winner Master Mark, and Polly Gundry is likely to renew her partnership with Wee Fly. Marias Rock, Jack’s Taxi, Incoady and Fairly Glorious are all recent winners with sound claims.

The Open Maiden looks even trickier and a case can be made for many of the 32 entries. Inching West was well backed and only just denied at Vauterhill and can go one better for up and coming rider Jenny Carr.

Ashley Farrant’s yard has hit form recently and the Bampton trainer has King’s Wood, Quick, Visibility and Party Pictures amongst the 14 entries for a strong looking Hunt race. Cookies Bank won his Vauterhill race impressively and would be hard to beat if chosen above Lords Bridge and The King’s Fling by Richard Woollacott. Sarah Faulks has Cento and Tony’s Time in the line up, and Sarah Prouse has both Shobrooke Mill and Ted One entered.

Secretary Jenny Hayes is “delighted by the quality and quantity of the entries”, and reports that the new course is ready to provide some exciting racing. The track is located alongside the B3224 between Raleighs Cross and Wheddon Cross. Entry costs £10 per car and driver with £5 for each additional passenger.