A very large crowd attended the Mendip Farmers point to point at Ston Easton under a clear blue sky and although it clouded over somewhat there was competitive racing on ground described by riders as good. Ed Doggrell was the jockey to follow with a riding double, there was a mixed day for trainer Sam Loxton, a first riding victory for a jockey who also works as a driving instructor and another winning set of owners with a food connection.
The day began with the first Hands and Heels Novice Riders race held in the Wessex Area. Whilst the six riders were able to carry whips they were not able to use these in the way they have in other races with the aim that they will use their body to encourage their mount. The race developed into a duel between the favourite Histrionic ridden by Lucas Murphy and trained by Sam Loxton and Paint The Dream ridden by Lucy Pickford with the last fence in front of them. Histrionic then made a mistake and Paint The Dream was left in front to record a first riding victory for Lucy. An experienced rider with an eventing background who runs a livery yard in Gloucestershire and also works as a driving instructor she has been riding in point to points for some eight years. Explaining how she acquired Paint The Dream ‘ my previous horse had a problem after his race at Wadebridge and I found an advert on Facebook offering him for sale’ I then contacted Connor Brace via a mutual friend who was selling him on behalf of his grandfather David who had bred him. Lucy added ‘ I am lucky to have found him as he jumps so well’ As a coincidence Paint the Dream started his racing career as a four year old at this course some eight years ago.
The Ladies Open race which followed after the young horse Maiden race was declared void with no entries proved a dramatic event with the favourite Walk of No Shame ridden by Molly Armytage and trained by Sam Loxton leading until running out at the fourteenth fence. This left Au Fleuron ridden by Aimee Jones and Emotional Roller ridden by Venetia Thompson to battle out the finish with the latter coming out on top. Venetia, 23, was thrilled with her success and was quick to thank Martin Wanless for giving her the opportunity to ride the gelding. This was her second career victory the first coming nearly two years ago at Corbridge in Northumberland and as her opportunities were limited in the North East she explained ‘ I decided to take up the offer to move to Martin Wanless’s base at Welshpool in Shropshire to broaden my career’ She has only been with him for a few weeks but he commented ‘ I am keen to support young riders at the start of their career and Venetia gave him a good ride’ He acquired the gelding from Sue Smith’s stable after his last outing under rules in January. Venetia is a name to note for the future. Martin is better known as the Sales and UK Manager of Equine Express the new name for George Mullins Horse Transport.
After suffering two beaten favourites in the previous races Sam Loxton saddled Duc De Bourbon ridden for the first time by Ed Doggrell in the Mens Open race. This time he was second favourite behind Bass Rock ridden by Lucas Murphy who had been unbeaten in his three previous outings this season. Ed explained ‘ I decided to make the running and he jumped well for me throughout and having set a steady pace he was always in control’ Sam was pleased that his luck had changed and the gelding had got his head in front for the first time this season.
Ed followed up in the Restricted race when he partnered the mare Far Out West trained by Will Biddick for the Hot Toddie partnership. Already a winner on the course last year Ed again adopted front running tactics and despite carrying a five pound penalty for a previous Restricted victory her jumping was too good for her four rivals. Both Andy Pollard and Steve Paul her joint owners with Will were delighted with the success and plans were quickly made to celebrate the triumph. Will commented ‘ That is the best she has jumped and she really enjoyed herself on this better ground compared to the tacky surface at Badbury’
Champion jockey James King only had one ride at the meeting but this turned out to be a winner when Jewel of Windsor trained by Luca Morgan comfortably won the Maiden race. Running for a group of owners called the Chocolate Crumpets it soon transpired that one of these is Andrew King the West Mercian PRO and father of James. Explaining that this is supposed to be his father’s culinary preference James added ‘ this is first horse he has ever had an interest in and to ensure he had the full experience he came with Luca and myself in the horsebox!’ Andrew, who spent most of his professional life as chief reporter for the Racing Post was not convinced that this is something he was anxious to repeat. Bought through the Thoroughbid online platform for £1800 in January she had shown some place form in Ireland and both Luca and James said that ‘ we hope that there is more to come and that she might turn into a useful summer jumper as she appreciated the better going’
