Needs Time Turns on The Style

One of the biggest crowds ever seen at Lockinge enjoyed some fantastic weather which was a completed contrast to the miserable weather we saw at Kimble on Saturday. Unfortunately Lockinge did not see as much rainfall as expected and the ground conditions were very fast. The track did look in great condition but most of the better ground horses did not show their true form on the day. The Bailee ran his rivals into the ground with a fantastic front running performance from the off given the other runners no chance of keeping tabs on him and he jumped superbly throughout. Milesian King who had not been in the best of form coming into the race won the confined race although he did look in trouble for a while behind the inexperienced Zirkel who ran well for his first run over the bigger fences. Rustic John was sent off hot favourite to land the Mixed Open race but was never in it behind Needs Time who loved the fast ground and jumped really well. He was well clear coming around the far turn to win by a distance. The most exciting race of the afternoon was the PPORA Club Members race for Novice and Veteran Riders. Lost Time seemed to have the race in the bag but as he came around the final turn stopped to nothing and was caught and passed by both Frosty Jak and Wishwillow Magic. Lost Time under Jack Sherwood rallied again on the run to line and got back up as they crossed the line, which looked an unlikely outcome seconds before. Trizzy just managed to get the better of Sheknowsyouknow in the restricted race although SheKnowsyouknow was not helped when the jockey appeared to forget the dolls on the ground marking off the first fence as he seemed to jink and lose a couple of lengths by trying to stay close to the inside rail. Lucy Barry saw her opportunity and came wide on the course to get up by a head in what looked a great finishing battle. The final race on the card saw a great front running ride by Emily Harbour on board My Beautiful Betty. My Beautiful Betty set off in front and enjoyed a good 3 to 4 lengths advantage throughout. As they came down with three to jump challengers appeared on all sides, but with each fence My Beautiful Betty gained a good length with some impeccable jumping. My Beautiful Betty quickened up nicely on the run around the final turn and won in convincing style. Although this was not a strong race I am sure they should see more victories in the future.

Below : The Bailee and Tessa Good Jump their rivals into the ground bounding clear to take the Hunt Members Race.



Below : Milesian King and Peter Mason just outgun Zirkel and A. Morley on the run to the line to take the Confined Race .



Below : The Grey Needs Time and Tim Lane loved the fast ground and were good winners in a very fast time of the Mixed Open Race.



Below : Lost Time (middle : grey with blue stars and white cap) get back up on the line to deny Frosty Jak and Wishwillow Magic victory .



Below : Trizzy and Lucy Barry jump the last and just get the better of Sheknowsyouknow to take the restricted race .



Below : My Beautiful Betty under a good front running ride from Emily Harbour jump the last clear to land the Open Maiden Race for 5 year olds and upwards.





A very big thank you must go to Jackie Oliver of Graftonwood Photography who very kindly supplied the photos for this review. If you require any photos from this meeting you can contact Jackie on www.graftonwood.co.uk

Please email any comments to info@southmidlandp2p.co.uk