The Northern Area Point-to-Point season started on a positive note at Hexham with 49 runners on a six race card at the Border fixture, where it was a case of doubles all round for jockey John Dawson and trainer Hannah Roach.
It proved to be a landmark occasion for Dawson, 34, as debutant Carlenrig provided him with a 200th career winner between the flags in the 3m Maiden Race, while Jack The Lad's victory on debut in the concluding 2m4f Maiden Race was his 250th winner under all codes.
Carlenrig gradually eased his way into contention on the final circuit of the 3m Ward Hadaway Maiden Race before taking it up after two out and the four-year-old stayed on well to score by ten lengths from Jimmy Walton's promising home-bred mare High On The Hill (Lyall Hodgins).
This Soldier of Fortune gelding, trained by Lesley Coltherd and bought in Ireland as a foal by Ian Herbert, is now for sale at the right price. Coltherd's son Sam said: ''He's still a bit raw but had schooled really well for me and the heavy ground was ideal.'' The winner is related to multiple jumps winners including Wee Robbie, Isn't That Lucky and Blast Freeze.
For the record, Dawson's first Pointing winner came on Benwell in the Cleveland Members Race at Mordon on April 15, 2007.
He doubled up on exciting four-year-old prospect Jack The Lad, who he also trains, and the youngster could not have been more impressive in the attritional underfoot conditions.
Always travelling well and never far behind the leaders in the 2m4f Lycetts Maiden Race, Jack The Lad cruised past Hollywood Harmon (Pippa Brown) as they bypassed three out. In command from the home turn, Dawson's mount was a dozen lengths clear when diving at the last but didn't lose much momentum and had doubled that advantage as they crossed the line.
Time Leader (Clara Brewitt) initiated a double for in-form Nantwich trainer Hannah Roach in the 2m4f Newton Hall Ladies Open Race.
Always close up, the odds-on favourite was sent on three out and quickly put the race to bed before coasting home twenty-five lengths ahead of Kingrullah (Laura Fenwick).
This was a third career winner for Shropshire-based Brewitt, 22, who works for Phil and Mel Rowley. She said: ''He made it easy for me on that ground,'' while Roach added: ''His main targets will again be the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters.''
Last month's Knightwick scorer Rewritetherules (Huw Edwards) provided Roach with a sixth winner from just eight runners this season in the 2m4f Northern Structures Conditions Race.
Sent to the front approaching the home turn, David O'Brien's rejuvenated ten-year-old gelding forged clear in the straight to score by eighteen lengths from Haverfordwest raider Chilinlikeavillain (Harvey Barfoot-Saunt).
Roach was denied a treble when odds-on favourite Paul Marvel (Huw Edwards) had to settle for second behind Wild Romance (Shay Halton) in the 3m Robson & Cowan Mixed Open Race.
In the leading pair from the off, Halton's mount drew clear with Paul Marvel from four out and left their rivals trailing well behind on the long downhill run to the next. There still wasn't much between them at the last before Wild Romance found a bit extra when the chips were down, asserting half-way up the run-in to win, going away, by two-and-a-half lengths.
There was a fairytale outcome to the opening 3m Carr's Billington NPPA Area Conditions Race as Otterburn-based Rebecca Duffy, 22, enjoyed a winning debut ride on former 119-rated hurdler Wild Polly, trained by her boss Susan Corbett.
Produced with a perfectly-timed challenge to head long-time leader Shantou Moon (Paddy Barlow) after touching down at the last, Wild Polly was always doing enough up the long run-in to repel West Lawn's late thrust by a neck.
On loan to Susan Corbett from Rose Dobbin and one of the three horses in Will Ramsay's Jockey Start Syndicate, the ten-year-old who hadn't run between the flags since landing a Largy Mares Maiden contest in April 2018 is related to numerous jumps winners in France including Luzcadou and Le Ponant.
The Tony Ward Memorial Trophy, awarded to the leading jockey at the Haydon and Border fixtures each calendar year, was won by John Dawson (12pts), with the minor placings filled by Huw Edwards (7pts) and Charlotte Tailford (6pts).
The next Northern Area Point-to-Point is the Ratcheugh Racing Club fixture at Alnwick on Sunday, December 15.
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season starts on Sunday 1st December with the Border fixture at Hexham Racecourse. It has attracted a total of 80 entries, including plenty of long-distance travellers, on a six race card starting at 12.30pm.
Proceedings kick off with a competitive looking 3m NPPA Area Conditions Race in which seven of the 11 entries are rated 103 and above. The progressive Eagles Rock, who scored with plenty in hand at Overton and Corbridge last season before going down narrowly to Famous Response over course and distance in May, is sure to go close under John Dawson. Others for the shortlist include confirmed front-runner Nick Lost who didn't see another rival in the 2024 Buccleuch Conditions, last season's Overton Conditions and 2m4f Hexham hurdles winner Paramaribo (10lb penalty), proven stayer Shantou's Temple who got off the mark here in May over this trip, ultra-consistent Bintheredonethat who deserves to get his head in front after a string of near misses last term, and 2023 Tynedale Men's Open winner West Lawn who is better than recent efforts under Rules might suggest.
The 19 entries for the 3m Maiden Race include unraced youngsters Carlenrig, Lovers Rock and Meelick Island. The pick of the trio could be Warwickshire raider Lovers Rock. Her dam Only For Love had form figures of 3211122 for Nicky Henderson in 2016 and it's worth noting that Gina Andrew’s only runner so far this season Dropematthestation scored on debut at Knightwick. Joe Wright's mount Meelick Island was bought by Tony Ross for 12,000 euros at Goffs Land Rover Sale in June 2022.
Of the others, Benefact showed the best form of those in action between the flags last season with a quartet of placed efforts. Nick Orpwood-trained ex-Irish recruit Hendrick's Girl kept on well in the closing stages when 3rd at Taylorstown in May, Jardin Carre finished a close 3rd on debut over a shorter trip at Eyton-on-Severn in May, She Is The Enemy hinted on more than one occasion last term that her winning turn is not far away, while South Wales raider Miss Ghillie showed enough promise at Garthorpe and Upcott Cross in 2023 to warrant consideration.
The 12 entries for the 3m Mixed Open Race are headed by former Willie Mullins-trained 126-rated chaser Paul Marvel who formed part of a four-timer for Hannah Roach's Cheshire yard at Knightwick earlier this month, and this stiffer test of stamina should be right up his street. Possible rivals include proven stayer Wild Romance who collared Bintheredonethat near the line when winning first time out at Alnwick last December, former Stuart Coltherd-trained chaser Deep Charm landed a couple of 3m3f contests on soft ground at Sedgefield last season, former Sam Thomas-trained chaser Angels Breath was rated 151 at his peak in 2019 and should appreciate a big drop in class off level weights, as well as prolific Pointing winner Ballydonagh Boy who invariably makes the running.
Paul Marvel's stable companion Time Leader is the class act in the 2m4f Ladies Open Race and cannot be opposed. Successful first time out in each of the last three seasons, he was beaten under seven lengths when narrowly missing the frame in the 2023 and 2024 Aintree Foxhunters and when 3rd to Sine Nomine in the 2024 Cheltenham Foxhunters. The other 10 entries include the aforementioned Ballydonagh Boy, 2023 Berwickshire Ladies Open and 2024 Zetland Ladies Open winner Fightfortheroses who has shown his best form on good ground, and former 148-rated chaser Killer Clown who provided Newcastle University student Daisy White with a memorable first winner in the 2m4f Grass Roots Riders Conditions Race at Knightwick.
After a long losing run in his previous yard, Rewritetherules struck gold on his first start for Hannah Roach at Knightwick when sauntering home 18 lengths ahead of The Composeur and a repeat performance is on the cards when the duo cross swords again in the 2m4f Conditions Race (11 entries). 2024 Berwickshire Maiden winner Something Golden along with the aforementioned Shantou's Temple and Killer Clown are possible rivals, as well as a trio who have all won under Rules. South West Wales raider Chilinlikeavillain landed a 2m4f Southwell Maiden Hurdle for Dan Skelton in March 2023 and has the benefit of a recent Knightwick outing in his locker, 132-rated Givega won three of five hurdling starts for Gary Moore and raced against the likes of Grey Dawning and Knappers Hill in 2023, while former Gary Moore-trained 122-rated chaser Zhiguli recorded all five career wins (three chases & two hurdles) on soft or heavy ground.
The concluding 2m4f Maiden Race has 16 entries. It may chiefly concern unraced 4-year-old geldings Jack The Lad (John Dawson) and Panjandrum (Jack Andrews) who are both sure to be cherry ripe and done plenty of schooling. Dawson won the corresponding contest in November 2022 on debutante Cherie D'Am and is hoping to take the trophy back home again, while Panjandrum's full brother Mischievous Mick landed a Chepstow Bumper on debut for Paul Nicholls in April 2022.
The drop in trip might suit Taymount (also entered at Larkhill) who was prominent for a long way at Dunsmore earlier in the month, while others to note are All Ways And Ever, Kirsch De Cotte and Hollywood Harmon. In addition, well related newcomer Five Quarters (another Larkhill entry) would be a first Northern Area runner for in-form Somerset-based trainer Josh Newman.
Admission is £15 per person including a racecard, with under 16s free (Cash only at the gate). Hexham Racecourse is well signposted from the A69 and the post code is NE46 2JP.
As of 3pm Tuesday. Following 18mm of rain over the weekend the going is now Soft. Excellent covering of grass. We will provide another update on Thursday.
Clerk of the course - Michael Dixon (07748012874).
Border P2P report by Peter Burgon
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season started on a positive note at Hexham with 49 runners on a six race card at the Border fixture, where it was a case of doubles all round for jockey John Dawson and trainer Hannah Roach.
It proved to be a landmark occasion for Dawson, 34, as debutant Carlenrig provided him with a 200th career winner between the flags in the 3m Maiden Race, while Jack The Lad's victory on debut in the concluding 2m4f Maiden Race was his 250th winner under all codes.
Carlenrig gradually eased his way into contention on the final circuit of the 3m Ward Hadaway Maiden Race before taking it up after two out and the four-year-old stayed on well to score by ten lengths from Jimmy Walton's promising home-bred mare High On The Hill (Lyall Hodgins).
This Soldier of Fortune gelding, trained by Lesley Coltherd and bought in Ireland as a foal by Ian Herbert, is now for sale at the right price. Coltherd's son Sam said: ''He's still a bit raw but had schooled really well for me and the heavy ground was ideal.'' The winner is related to multiple jumps winners including Wee Robbie, Isn't That Lucky and Blast Freeze.
For the record, Dawson's first Pointing winner came on Benwell in the Cleveland Members Race at Mordon on April 15, 2007.
He doubled up on exciting four-year-old prospect Jack The Lad, who he also trains, and the youngster could not have been more impressive in the attritional underfoot conditions.
Always travelling well and never far behind the leaders in the 2m4f Lycetts Maiden Race, Jack The Lad cruised past Hollywood Harmon (Pippa Brown) as they bypassed three out. In command from the home turn, Dawson's mount was a dozen lengths clear when diving at the last but didn't lose much momentum and had doubled that advantage as they crossed the line.
Time Leader (Clara Brewitt) initiated a double for in-form Nantwich trainer Hannah Roach in the 2m4f Newton Hall Ladies Open Race.
Always close up, the odds-on favourite was sent on three out and quickly put the race to bed before coasting home twenty-five lengths ahead of Kingrullah (Laura Fenwick).
This was a third career winner for Shropshire-based Brewitt, 22, who works for Phil and Mel Rowley. She said: ''He made it easy for me on that ground,'' while Roach added: ''His main targets will again be the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters.''
Last month's Knightwick scorer Rewritetherules (Huw Edwards) provided Roach with a sixth winner from just eight runners this season in the 2m4f Northern Structures Conditions Race.
Sent to the front approaching the home turn, David O'Brien's rejuvenated ten-year-old gelding forged clear in the straight to score by eighteen lengths from Haverfordwest raider Chilinlikeavillain (Harvey Barfoot-Saunt).
Roach was denied a treble when odds-on favourite Paul Marvel (Huw Edwards) had to settle for second behind Wild Romance (Shay Halton) in the 3m Robson & Cowan Mixed Open Race.
In the leading pair from the off, Halton's mount drew clear with Paul Marvel from four out and left their rivals trailing well behind on the long downhill run to the next. There still wasn't much between them at the last before Wild Romance found a bit extra when the chips were down, asserting half-way up the run-in to win, going away, by two-and-a-half lengths.
There was a fairytale outcome to the opening 3m Carr's Billington NPPA Area Conditions Race as Otterburn-based Rebecca Duffy, 22, enjoyed a winning debut ride on former 119-rated hurdler Wild Polly, trained by her boss Susan Corbett.
Produced with a perfectly-timed challenge to head long-time leader Shantou Moon (Paddy Barlow) after touching down at the last, Wild Polly was always doing enough up the long run-in to repel West Lawn's late thrust by a neck.
On loan to Susan Corbett from Rose Dobbin and one of the three horses in Will Ramsay's Jockey Start Syndicate, the ten-year-old who hadn't run between the flags since landing a Largy Mares Maiden contest in April 2018 is related to numerous jumps winners in France including Luzcadou and Le Ponant.
The Tony Ward Memorial Trophy, awarded to the leading jockey at the Haydon and Border fixtures each calendar year, was won by John Dawson (12pts), with the minor placings filled by Huw Edwards (7pts) and Charlotte Tailford (6pts).
The next Northern Area Point-to-Point is the Ratcheugh Racing Club fixture at Alnwick on Sunday, December 15.
‼️Please note we are cash only for our Point to Point at Hexham Racecourse tomorrow.
This includes entry and bar & food areas.
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Highlight on Hannah Roach https://www.facebook.com/NorthernPTP
As of 3pm Thursday. After walking the course with the course inspector the going remains Soft. Excellent covering of grass.
Clerk of the course - Michael Dixon
Border P2P Preview by Peter Burgon
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season starts on Sunday 1st December with the Border fixture at Hexham Racecourse. It has attracted a total of 80 entries, including plenty of long-distance travellers, on a six race card starting at 12.30pm.
Proceedings kick off with a competitive looking 3m NPPA Area Conditions Race in which seven of the 11 entries are rated 103 and above. The progressive Eagles Rock, who scored with plenty in hand at Overton and Corbridge last season before going down narrowly to Famous Response over course and distance in May, is sure to go close under John Dawson. Others for the shortlist include confirmed front-runner Nick Lost who didn't see another rival in the 2024 Buccleuch Conditions, last season's Overton Conditions and 2m4f Hexham hurdles winner Paramaribo (10lb penalty), proven stayer Shantou's Temple who got off the mark here in May over this trip, ultra-consistent Bintheredonethat who deserves to get his head in front after a string of near misses last term, and 2023 Tynedale Men's Open winner West Lawn who is better than recent efforts under Rules might suggest.
The 19 entries for the 3m Maiden Race include unraced youngsters Carlenrig, Lovers Rock and Meelick Island. The pick of the trio could be Warwickshire raider Lovers Rock. Her dam Only For Love had form figures of 3211122 for Nicky Henderson in 2016 and it's worth noting that Gina Andrew’s only runner so far this season Dropematthestation scored on debut at Knightwick. Joe Wright's mount Meelick Island was bought by Tony Ross for 12,000 euros at Goffs Land Rover Sale in June 2022.
Of the others, Benefact showed the best form of those in action between the flags last season with a quartet of placed efforts. Nick Orpwood-trained ex-Irish recruit Hendrick's Girl kept on well in the closing stages when 3rd at Taylorstown in May, Jardin Carre finished a close 3rd on debut over a shorter trip at Eyton-on-Severn in May, She Is The Enemy hinted on more than one occasion last term that her winning turn is not far away, while South Wales raider Miss Ghillie showed enough promise at Garthorpe and Upcott Cross in 2023 to warrant consideration.
The 12 entries for the 3m Mixed Open Race are headed by former Willie Mullins-trained 126-rated chaser Paul Marvel who formed part of a four-timer for Hannah Roach's Cheshire yard at Knightwick earlier this month, and this stiffer test of stamina should be right up his street. Possible rivals include proven stayer Wild Romance who collared Bintheredonethat near the line when winning first time out at Alnwick last December, former Stuart Coltherd-trained chaser Deep Charm landed a couple of 3m3f contests on soft ground at Sedgefield last season, former Sam Thomas-trained chaser Angels Breath was rated 151 at his peak in 2019 and should appreciate a big drop in class off level weights, as well as prolific Pointing winner Ballydonagh Boy who invariably makes the running.
Paul Marvel's stable companion Time Leader is the class act in the 2m4f Ladies Open Race and cannot be opposed. Successful first time out in each of the last three seasons, he was beaten under seven lengths when narrowly missing the frame in the 2023 and 2024 Aintree Foxhunters and when 3rd to Sine Nomine in the 2024 Cheltenham Foxhunters. The other 10 entries include the aforementioned Ballydonagh Boy, 2023 Berwickshire Ladies Open and 2024 Zetland Ladies Open winner Fightfortheroses who has shown his best form on good ground, and former 148-rated chaser Killer Clown who provided Newcastle University student Daisy White with a memorable first winner in the 2m4f Grass Roots Riders Conditions Race at Knightwick.
After a long losing run in his previous yard, Rewritetherules struck gold on his first start for Hannah Roach at Knightwick when sauntering home 18 lengths ahead of The Composeur and a repeat performance is on the cards when the duo cross swords again in the 2m4f Conditions Race (11 entries). 2024 Berwickshire Maiden winner Something Golden along with the aforementioned Shantou's Temple and Killer Clown are possible rivals, as well as a trio who have all won under Rules. South West Wales raider Chilinlikeavillain landed a 2m4f Southwell Maiden Hurdle for Dan Skelton in March 2023 and has the benefit of a recent Knightwick outing in his locker, 132-rated Givega won three of five hurdling starts for Gary Moore and raced against the likes of Grey Dawning and Knappers Hill in 2023, while former Gary Moore-trained 122-rated chaser Zhiguli recorded all five career wins (three chases & two hurdles) on soft or heavy ground.
The concluding 2m4f Maiden Race has 16 entries. It may chiefly concern unraced 4-year-old geldings Jack The Lad (John Dawson) and Panjandrum (Jack Andrews) who are both sure to be cherry ripe and done plenty of schooling. Dawson won the corresponding contest in November 2022 on debutante Cherie D'Am and is hoping to take the trophy back home again, while Panjandrum's full brother Mischievous Mick landed a Chepstow Bumper on debut for Paul Nicholls in April 2022.
The drop in trip might suit Taymount (also entered at Larkhill) who was prominent for a long way at Dunsmore earlier in the month, while others to note are All Ways And Ever, Kirsch De Cotte and Hollywood Harmon. In addition, well related newcomer Five Quarters (another Larkhill entry) would be a first Northern Area runner for in-form Somerset-based trainer Josh Newman.
Admission is £15 per person including a racecard, with under 16s free (Cash only at the gate). Hexham Racecourse is well signposted from the A69 and the post code is NE46 2JP.
𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝟐𝐏 - 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
As of 3pm Tuesday. Following 18mm of rain over the weekend the going is now Soft. Excellent covering of grass. We will provide another update on Thursday.
Clerk of the course - Michael Dixon (07748012874).
Pointing Pointers will have a person on course at Hexham who will post the results on Sunday 😎
80 entries !!
INJURED ROACH HOME FROM HOSPITAL
https://pointtopoint.co.uk/news_articles/injured-roach-home-from-hospital
Hannah Roach Racing
#GoPointing
Fences looking great 👍
Good, GS in places
Excellent,,we will be taking a box load up including Time Leader