MEMORIES OF MOLLINGTON

(Above) a typically competitive field scrumage for a decent early position at Mollington, Unfortunately we will not be seeing anymore racing from this venue this season or in the forseable future.

It is with great sadness that I have to report we have lost one of the best point to point viewing courses in the South Midland Area for the 2007-2008 Season. Mollington will not be staging any meetings due to new building work taking place at the course. My own feelings are what a big dissapointment to the area and to the sport as a whole.

Mollington Started point to point racing in 1972 and over the years has attracted large crowds and many top class point to point horses. Racing was always very competitive and attracted runners from all over the country. Although over the last couple of seasons the amount and quality of horses at the track has seen a dramatic decline. This was mainly due to the state of the ground and in fact their was only 22 runners in 6 races at the Bicester with Whaddon chase meeting earlier in the season. I am not sure if this was down to the course not being maintained in it’s usual manner because of the proceeding building works or if this was just a case of the wet weather making the ground rough and hard to manage. Possibly a combination of the two.

The Mollington course is best known for its long stamina sapping uphill climb to the last fence which has produced many a dramatic result. Some horses which have looked in an unasalable lead, getting caught in the shadows of the post after coming to almost a grounding walk after the last fence. I guess this unpredictable outcome was part of what made Mollington such a great place to view and get really involved in the sport. It was also such a great spectacle to see horses come flying down the long farside hill, with the picturesque lake in the background it was almost like a scene from a film with most of the horses almost trying to freewheel down it to save something left in the tank for that gruelling uphill finish.
(Below Left) The familiar uphill climb to the last fence which has changed many a finishing result. (Below Right) Runners flying around the final turn on the run for home.



It would of been a fitting tribute to both horse, jockey and course in its final year if Jimmy Tarry who had ridden many of his 199 point to point victories at the course, could of managed his 200th Point to Point winner on his 15 year old horse Grecian Star who had already recorded 4 previous victories at the course, on this occasion it was not meant to be, still it did not take Jimmy long to register win 200. Hitting that target at Dingley near the end of the season on The Hookie Bookie.




Above (Left) Jimmy Tarry on Grecian Star unsuccessful at the Grafton Meeting in 2007. (Right) The runners and riders being led back to the paddock last season for the last time at Mollington.

Memories of Mollington.

Pictures very kindly Supplied by Neale Blackburn of Chasdog.