WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM ON SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

Here are the results for the West Norfolk & North Norfolk held at Fakenham . The official going was GOOD.

PPORA Veteran and Novice Riders

1st Red Maple Cian Murphy 6/4

2nd Back Bar Harriet Beeby-Wynn 6/1

Only two finished

also Not That Fuisse 8/1 (UR),  Our Jet 4/5fav  (PU),  Precious Bounty 8/1 (PU)

Time 6-28   Dists: 8L                 5 ran

Trainer Nick Wright

Owner  Nick Wright

PPORA Club Members Conditions

1st Coolagh Park Izzie Hill 6/4fav

2nd Good Source Rupert Stearn 5/2

3rd The Yellow Mini Alex Chadwick 9/4

also Jack’s Touch 10/1 (4th ), Wisecracker 12/1 (PU)

Time 6-41   Dists:   2¾L, 6L     5 ran

Trainer Alan Hill

Owner Richard Cranfield

Restricted

1st Cheytac Gina Andrews 4/6fav

2nd Graveside Lad Alex Chadwick 5/1

Only two finished

also Carryonaway 7/1(PU),  Driveondonn 5/1 (PU), Kostantina 12/1(PU),

Maskadam 6/1 (F),  Shanes Passion 10/1 (PU)

Time 6-38    Dists: 8L                 7 ran

Trainer Gina Andrews

Owner  Cliff Myers

Mixed Open

1st The Big Lense Rupert Stearn 8/1

2nd Aramax Alex Chadwick 4/6fav

3rd Caryto Des Brosses Dale Peters 4/1

also Hardline 16/1 (4th),  Tullys Touch 5/2 (5th)

Time 6-42     Dists: ½L,  5½L     5 ran

Trainer Jennifer Owen

Owner Simon Stearn

Veteran Horses Conditions

1st No Risk Des Flos Rupert Stearn 8/11fav

Finished alone

also Chapelier 9/2 (PU),  Take To Heart 6/4 (PU)

Time No time taken                       3 ran

Trainer Gina Andrews

Owner  Simon Stearn

Maiden

1st Steppingstone Alex Chadwick 4/1

2nd Validation Gina Andrews 4/6fav

3rd Easy Rider Izzie Hill 9/4

also My Jetta Plane 3/1 (UR)

Time 6-47     Dists: 10L,  3¾L         4 ran

Trainer Nick Wright

Owner  Nick Wright

A decent days racing watched by a large crowd. A riding double for Rupert Stearn on horse's owned by his father Simon. Training doubles for Nick Wright who bookended the meeting and Gina Andrews.

WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE –SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

 VERY LATEST GOING UPDATE ( Saturday 3.30pm )

"GOOD"

Finished watering late morning today Sat 22nd.  We put 4mm on from the open ditch take-off round to the landing side of fence 5. And also 4mm from the vehicle crossing back towards the 2 furlong marker. The odd shower tonight but totalling about 1mm.

Dry day tomorrow with highs of 14 degrees.

PLEASE NOTE – All diversions are gone and the roads to the racecourse are open as normal.

WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE –SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

GOING UPDATE:

GOOD

The ground is now good. We have applied 8mm of water ON FRIDAY. Maybe 2-3mm of rain FORECAST FOR SATURDAY (around 60% chance.) We may apply A LITTLE MORE WATER on SATURDAY from the open ditch to fence 5, as it’s always the quickest ground.

If you have any questions about the going only, please call Clerk of the Course, Matt King 07796871997

PUB TEAM PREVIEW

THE WEST NORFOLK and NORTH NORFOLK – FAKENHAM

Sunday March 23rd 2025

1.00 Conditions (Veteran and Novice Riders) – 11 entries

This race for veteran riders, riders who are 40 years or over and novice riders (at the start of the season have ridden no more than 5 winners under any rules of racing). Captain Biggles hails from the Gina Andrews yard and won on his latest start at Ampton with Gina aboard when he beat Rhythm Is A Dancer by 8L with a possible rival today Take To Heart a further 4L away in 3rd. He’s due to be ridden today by Molly Legg who won her first race at High Easter earlier this month. Rupert Stearn is the most experienced rider in the race with 118 pointing winners and won the Hunter Chase here on 14th March. He’s down to ride two in this. Our Jet, owned by his father Simon and trained by David Kemp. He’s also jocked up on Good Source for the Ed Turner yard. Our Jet would have the better chance. Our Jet was a 4 time winner under rules for Dan Skelton. He was 2nd on his UK pointing debut at Garthorpe going down by 25L to Fier Jaguen in a Mixed Open late last month. Good Source was 3rd at Ampton earlier this month, going down by 1L to Jersey Fromentin in a Conditions race. Take To Heart won this race last season with Cian Murphy aboard and Cian is jocked up again for the Ed Turner trained runner. The Composeur has been 2nd on his two recent starts. He was beaten ¾ L to Chillinlikeavillain at Cocklebarrow under today’s rider Aimee Jones in late January.  Red Maple has been placed on both runs this season. He was 3rd at Garthorpe beaten just over 3L behind Mylestown Upper a month ago. No jockey was shown but it’s possible Cian Murphy will ride if Take To Heart doesn’t run. Not That Fuisse beat Precious Bounty at Dingley late last season by 2L when ridden by Gina and trained by her. However Not That Fuisse pulled up on his first start this season at Kimble for new connections. Going may have been against him this day. Precious Bounty won a Novice Riders race at Badbury Rings early in the season by a distance but was well beaten on his most recent outing at Larkhill earlier this month and others are preferred.  We will side with experience here and go with Our Jet ridden by the experienced Rupert Stearn. Previous course winner Captain Biggles is our alternative.

Selection: Our Jet                                Alternative: Captain Biggles

1.35 Conditions (Level 3) –  8 entries

Coolagh Park created a big impression when landing his Maiden at Horseheath in December 2021. He was only seen once the following season (easy Kimble win), but enjoyed a full season in 2023/24. He was consistent in his points, and although only landing a modest contest at Ampton was placed behind useful animals. He is a strong galloper, and ,may find the turns of Fakenham not playing to his strengths.  Designed To Win is undefeated in 3 outings since crossing the Irish sea,. He overcame a serious error at the third last to account for Trojan du Berlais at Garthorpe on his seasonal debut in February.  On a form line through the Garthorpe runner up he has a bit to find with Coolagh Park, but looks the one to beat here.  Good Source was runner up in this last year, behind a David Kemp trained winner, now with Ed Turner he's gradually coming to hand and  will appreciate this easy 3 miles and good ground.  The Composeur has plenty of options here and elsewhere this weekend. He's a front runner, and  although rarely finishing out of the first two this looks a tougher race than the ones he's been competing in.  Stable companion Somptueux is also well entered up this weekend. He won over hurdles and fences when trained in Ireland by Henry De Bromhead, and was still trained by the aforementioned when winning and Open point to point at the picturesque Belharbour course in County Clare in February 2023.  He was pulled up in a Taunton Hunter chase on his debut for this yard back in January.  The Yellow Mini won a Members at Higham, but this looks much tougher under her penalty for that victory.

Selection: Designed To Win                              Alternative: Coolagh Park

3.10 Restricted –  9 entries

9 entries and with 5 rated over 90 a competitive race is in prospect. Can Daddy Dance from the Padfield yard was a distant 25l. weakening 3rd behind Largy Pearl in the Feb Garthorpe Restricted and will need improvement in this company. Carryonaway from the Hill yard took the 16 runner Larkhill Maiden in Feb. last season but was a very distant 43l 5th. In the Dec Larkhill Restricted and another to possibly struggle in this company. 6yr. Cheytac from the Andrews yard was there with every chance but a mistake at the last meant 2nd. in the Feb. Kinston Blount short Restricted beating Driveondonn by 34l. so watch the market as he’s the highest rated in the race. 6yr. Driveondonn from the Cundy yard well behind in 2 Restricted races this season at both distances so my struggle here but the flat track may suit. Graveside Lad from the Turner yard has come good this season with a comfortable win in the Feb. Higham Maiden but with 6 pu’s and a 2nd in the Maiden on this track last season, view with some caution. Kostantina from the Lutman yard has struggled in Restricted company since winning the Dingley Maiden in 2022 and may do so again here. Maskadam from the Peters yard missed last season but won his Maiden on this track in 2023 so possibly best watched on his first run this season. Shanes Passion from the Pennock yard made all to win the Higham Maiden last season followed by pu’s in 2 Restricted runs, including 1 on this track, so has found racing in a grade up a struggle. Tellmesomethingood another from the Hill yard was weakening and pu in the Dec. Chaddesley Corbett Maiden but came good and comfortably won the Feb. Charing short Maiden – distance may be an issue.

Selection: Cheytac with Gina up                      Alternative: Maskadam

3.45 Mixed Open –  7 entries

This race exudes quality with all seven entrants capable of securing the win. There is a wealth of successful horses who boast numerous wins and the total number of GB pointing victories for six of the seven entered is a remarkable Forty Five!! Only Hardline has yet to win a GB point but did win 4 in Ireland and trainer Andrew Pennock will have him fully prepared to notch that first win over here. The veteran Caryto Des Brosses has won 12 points and was due for retirement but is now back in training and won the Mens Open at this Fakenham meeting in 2019. Aramax stepped up to Open grade, two weeks ago, and beat Law Of Gold at High Easter and is unbeaten in all four outings this season. Course winner under rules, Tullys Touch, is also in outstanding form, winning both starts this season and has 14 wins in points on his CV. Loughan boasts 9 point wins and holds three entries over the weekend and would be a popular winner, here, for Norfolk owner William Wales. If Loughan isn’t declared then trainer Gina Andrews could saddle another Fakenham course winner, Captain Biggles, a 5-time winner in points who won his latest outing at Ampton, earlier this month. The Big Lense has won 6 times under rules and will give new owner, Simon Stearn, plenty of fun as he is unbeaten in his only run in points when winning the Mixed Open at Higham in February 2024.

Selection:  Tullys Touch                     Alternative:  Aramax

4.20 Veteran Horse Conditions –  9 entries

Of the nine entries made for this race, five of them are also entered in earlier races.  Getting Closer is the sole entrant that has won a race this season, his victory being gained at Charing on his first start since May 2023.  He is ultra consistent, never finishing outside the first three when completing the course.  His stable companion Coolagh Park, who is entered in an earlier race, has yet to run this season.  His sole victory last season came in a similar contest at Ampton. Both Somptueux and The Composeur hail from the yard of Tommy Morgan and are also entered in earlier races.  Somptueux was pulled up in a Hunter Chase on his first run for the stable, whilst The Composeur has finished second on both his starts this season, the most recent was by ¾ length to Chilinlikeavillain at Cocklebarrow.  Soldier At War has also finished runner up on his two most recent starts, at Higham behind The Yellow Mini and then at Ampton behind Jersey Fromentin.  No Risk des Flos, who was previously in the care of Olly Murphy, was last seen running in a Handicap Chase at Wetherby in January over 2 ½ miles, when fifth to Geryville. An earlier appearance at Warwick saw him finish ten lengths behind L’eau Du Sud who was fourth in the “Arkle” steeplechase at Cheltenham last week.

Selection: Getting Closer                   Alternative: No Risk des Flos

4.55 Maiden –  8 entries

Easy Rider has been on the go since November placing once in his four starts but does not look strong enough to be involved and is best watched. Killomeroe has his first start for Gina Andrews and is a 10-raced Maiden. He pulled up on his latest start under Rules on his Chase debut, another who is best watched. My Jetta Plane finish 5th on her first start for Andrew Pennock, moved nicely through the race before weakening between the last few fences and a bold bid could be expected. She has not been seen for over two months; we think that could be ground related. With good ground expected she holds a strong chance. Nigel Padfield could saddle two possible runners Patricks Hill finished a head 2nd last time but we think he holds a stronger chance with Validation who also finished 2nd last time out in what looked a strong race, He looked the winner turning for home but was run down by a very well-regarded horse. If he runs to that level again, he could be hard to beat. Pillar Rock disappointed on his first start for new connections and cannot be recommended on that form and is best watched. Secret Plan has pulled up on his first two starts in Points to Points. He led in his last start before weakening quickly. He cannot be discounted as the Turner family have had a magnificent season so far and it would not be a surprise to see an improved effort. Steppingstone is another who cannot be discounted. Pulled up in his first start he led for a circuit and a half before weakening. Stepping up to 3 miles could offer a better chance.

Selection: My Jetta Plane                  Alternative: Secret Plane

Overview

Race 1: Our Jet / Captain Biggles

Race 2: Designed To Win / Coolagh Park

Race 3: Cheytac with Gina up / Maskadam

Race 4: Tullys Touch / Aramax

Race 5: Getting Closer / No Risk des Flos

Race 6: My Jetta Plane / Secret Plane

PREVIEW OF THE WEST & NORTH NORFOLK MEETING BEING HELD AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

By Graham Bishop

The West and North Norfolk meeting takes place at Fakenham racecourse on Sunday, being the only scheduled fixture held in Norfolk, during the East Anglian area season. Racegoers will enjoy all the facilities associated with a professional course and the action commences with two pony races from 12 midday followed by six point-to-point steeplechase races; first at 1pm. This fixture is a month earlier than last year due to the timing of Easter and not to clash with Fakenham’s National Hunt fixtures.

A PPORA Club Members’ conditions race for veteran and novice riders commences the point-to-point action, with the possibility of last year’s winning combination of Cian Murphy and Take To Heart, doubling up this year. If successful, it would be Cian’s third consecutive victory in the race as he also steered Prairie Town to victory in 2023 staging of the contest. The opposition this year looks to be stronger with the likes of recent Ampton victor Captain Biggles, amongst the entries, along with Back Bar, Oscar Robertson, Our Jet, Red Maple and The Composeur who were all placed on their most recent outing as well as Take To Heart’s stable companion Good Source should he run in this contest.

The second race is a Level 3, PPORA Club Members’ Conditions race for which eight entries have been received, in which Good Source has also been entered. Runner-up in this race last season he has been running into form and finished a close 3rd in the East Anglia Conditions race at Ampton, at the beginning of the month.  The two horses to have won this season are The Yellow Mini who won at Higham on her first start of the season and Designed To Win who was victorious at Garthorpe.and is unbeaten since joining David Kemp’s stable.  Coolagh Park has yet to run this season, but has only once failed to finish in the first three in points last season and his Maiden win around Horseheath in 2021 continues to leave a lasting impression. The Composeur who has been runner-up on both starts also holds an entry in this race as well as his stable companion Somptueux.

The Restricted race includes two horses that won on their latest start. Graveside Lad won his Maiden race around Higham, whilst Tellmesomethingood won a 2 ½ mile Maiden at Charing. Tellmesomethingood’s stable companion Carryonaway is also entered having won his Maiden race last season at Larkhill, but he was well beaten on his seasonal debut in December.

Cheytac won an Irish Maiden race in October and has since run twice for his new connections.  Most recently he ran well in defeat at Kingston Blount behind El Capitaine over 2m 5f, in which Driveondonn finished fourth.  A further fourth place finish for Driveondonn followed at High Easter, two weeks ago. Can Daddy Dance finished third at Garthorpe, last month, on his first start since crossing the Irish Sea.

The Mixed Open race has attracted a small yet select number of entries. Captain Biggles, who is also entered in the opening contest is joined by Aramax who is seeking a fifth consecutive win this season and Tullys Touch who is seeking a third win.  Loughan, a stablemate of Captain Biggles, has been placed on both starts this season in 2½ mile races.  The Big Lense who ran in the Aintree Foxhunter last season would be having his first race since running under rules last summer, and the veteran Caryto des Brosses, winner of  12 points, would also be having his first run since winning at Edgcote last year. 

Five of the horses entered in the Veteran Horse conditions race hold alternative engagements on this card, namely Coolagh Park, Hardline, Somptueux, Take To Heart and The Composeur.

Getting Closer, a stable companion of Coolagh Park, is a wonderfully consistent individual who has never finished outside of the first three, when completing the course. Having missed all of last season Getting Closer got off the mark on his seasonal reappearance at Charing last month.  Soldier At War has finished second on his last two starts, most recently at Ampton whilst No Risk Des Flos, who was previously in the care of Olly Murphy, was last seen running in a handicap ‘chase at Wetherby in January over 2 ½ miles.

The Nigel Padfield trained Patricks Hill and Validation appear amongst the entries for the Maiden race that concludes the action.  Both have finished runner-up on their starts this season, Patricks Hill just being denied at Ampton in early March, whilst Validation led for most of the race at High Easter, a fortnight ago. Easy Rider was pulled up in his most recent race, but prior to that had finished third to Mooserwirt at Brocklesby Park.  My Jetta Plane ran a race full of promise at Horseheath at the end of December when she finished fifth.  Killomeroe has not built upon the promise shown in Irish points since crossing the Irish sea, whilst Steppingstone who was pulled up on his first outing this season, was previously placed in a couple of Irish bumpers.

A day of action and fun with a dedicated shopping area with trade stands including fashion clothes, country wear and a second-hand tack sale together with food outlets, public bar plus local bookmakers will be in attendance.

Gates open 10.30am and other attractions include a fun dog show from 11.30am (entry on the day) and a children’s play area.

Gate entry £15 per head (cash only), under 16’s free and dogs on short leads, please.

Early bird tickets priced at £12.50 available until 6pm on Saturday March 22nd on

www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk 

Fakenham racecourse is situated 2 miles west of the town NR21 7NY.

WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE

SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

GOING UPDATE:

GOOD / GOOD TO SOFT BY FENCE 2. 

 If the forecast stays the same we will start watering Thursday afternoon. We could get 2-3 mm Friday and Saturday. Sunday we could have the odd shower bringing 1-2 mm.  We will aim to put on 8mm where needed and get everything as even as we can. The areas by fence 2 and the 2 furlong marker will not be watered but could still be on the good to soft side.  If you have any questions about the going only, please call Clerk of the Course, Matt King 07796871997 – all other information below.

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to emergency gas repairs, the B1146 between Pudding Norton and Hempton is closed. For the Point to Point on Sunday 23rd March, ALL race traffic MUST follow enter the racecourse from the town entrance (NR21 7NY) and park up as directed. Traffic from the south on the B1146 will not be affected and can enter the racecourse from the Pudding Norton entrance.

WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE – SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

GOING UPDATE: 

GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES

(70% good, 30% good to soft).

A dry start for the beginning of this upcoming week with day temps increasing as the week goes on (possible 14/15 degrees) . Showers possible by Friday, amounts unclear but will update later in the week. We will water to maintain good ground if needed. Any questions please call Clerk of the Course, Matt King 07796871997. (Saturday 16th March – 11am)

GOING UPDATE:

GOOD TO SOFT / GOOD IN PLACES

8.6mm of rain in the last 24 hrs. If anybody has any questions, please call Matthew King 07796 871997. (Friday 14th March – 11am).

WEST & NORTH NORFOLK AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE – SUNDAY MARCH 23rd

GOING UPDATE:

The going is good, the odd shower is forecast this week, bringing 1-4mm total. If we get any rain, there will be some good to soft by fence 2 and the 2 furlong marker. Watering will take place to maintain good ground next week if needed. (Wednesday 12th March – 4.00pm)