Old Berks Hunt – Easter Monday 24th March 2008

It was a case of the four seasons with snow, rain, wind and sunshine but that didn’t deter the crowds on the day as they arrived for the 56th Annual Old Berks Hunts’ Annual Point to Point and Country Day. Barbecues took the place of picnics for many hardened campaigners as cars arrived in droves to set up on the hillside.

The Old Berks hounds met with one of the best receptions ever seen in the ring before the first race and the scene was set for a great days’ racing.

The ground this year was near perfect, with an excellent covering of grass, which certainly reflected in the quality of the horses and fields. Complements from both trainers and jockeys were flowing – a great boost following the commitment to all the preparation and hard work the Old Berks Point to Point Team has made.

The first race, The Kidson-Trigg OBH Members’, Subscribers’ and Farmers’ Race, was a hotly fought contest between last year’s winner, defending champion Claire Matherson on Meandmrsjones, and East Lawyer who was sent off as the 4/5 favourite with Lucy Cowen aboard. After an initial steady pace these two strung out the field in the closing stages to see East Lawyer hit the line first 8 Lengths clear in front of Meandmrsjones. East Lawyer showed improved form to finish 3rd at Dunthrop and readilt took care of MeandMrsjones who seems to have a bout of seconditus at the moment, but could score in a small race before the end of the season

Below : East Lawyer and Lucy Cowen striding out to take the Opening Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race.





The second race, the Bear at Wantage Intermediate Race, saw best turned out horse Vigzol ridden by J Derham a convincing winner over David Bass on the much fancied Rustic John – all be it second place it was the first of several trips to the winner’s enclosure for renowned Highworth trainer Johnny Manners.

Below : Vigzol and John Deerham (On the left: light blue and black colours) about to collar Rustic John on the run for home before landing the Bear at Wantage Intermediate Race.




The Volkswagon Touareg Mens Open Race

The Volkswagen Touareg Men’s Open race was possibly one of the most exciting races seen at Lockinge for some time, with Jockey David Bass and trainer Johnny Manners reversing the previous race placings to win with his class act Man from Highworth – having had a disappointing run at Cheltenham he was here to win and did so convincingly, although not without the gauntlet being firmly thrown down by Moscow Court, ridden by Ian Howe finishing in second by just 1 ¼ lengths.

Below : David Bass gives the Man from Highworth an excellent armchair ride before going on to score in the Volkswagon Touareg Mens Open Race and the Two men from Highworth James Manners with his charge in the winners enclosure.






Robert Kirk on the Mr CW Booth trained Earl of Buckingham rode well to fend off Running Times in the 4th the James French 4 x 4 Point to Point Owners and Riders Association Club Members’ Race for Novice Riders, the tight finish saw yet another second for the Manners team beaten a neck.

Below : Earl of Buckingham puts in another good leap before hanging on to take the James French 4 x 4 Point to Point Owners and Riders Race.




Richard Mason was awarded the ride of the day for his win aboard Milesian King in the fifth, the Darbys Restricted Race beating Gossip under Steve Bush into second place by 9 lengths. Milesian King had been knocking on the door in his last few races, but finally the door opened this time around.

Below : Milesian King and Richard Mason jump clear of their rivals to take the Darby's Restricted Race.




The Motorworld Open Maiden Race for eight year olds and over saw a hearty contest between Supreme Missile and eventual winner Gaining Ground. Supreme Missile took them along but Gaining Ground under Liam Payter proved to strong in the closing stages, going on to score by an ever increasing 4 lengths.

Below : Gaining Ground and Liam Payter (Nearside: red body with Orange sleeves) upsides Supreme Missile and Tim Lane in the Old Berks Maiden.



A special thank you to Elizabeth Hall from Lion Associates for providing the above information.

All pictures for this meeting were very kindly supplied by Neale Blackburn of Chasdog.

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