HOLDERNESS
DALTON APRK
13th March 2005
by Arthur Thompson
On a clear but cold day,
the crowds turned out in force for the Holderness meeting, set in
the grounds of Dalton Park. The course is mostly flat, but there is
a long stiff climb into the back straight. The going was
good.
Members
Six went to post. From flag fall, it was clear that Where Eagles
Dare wasn’t going to win with two hair raising jumps then he
took hold of the bit and came through the field to take up the
running, going some 15 lengths clear, but just as quickly, he was
back behind the other five! The others raced together with
John Rich looking good. Mark Walford had Nordic Crest covered up
and The Graduate was at the rear. Where Eagles Dare fell
four out, where Simon Walker brought The Graduate through to head
John Rich and Nordic Crest. Two out, all three were in a line and
under strong driving from the jockeys, but it was The Graduate who
found the best turn of foot on the run in to deny the challenge of
Nordic Crest (second) and John Rich (third).
Mares
Open Maiden
With Nigel Tutty on the sidelines after his crashing
fall last week at Charm Park, Phillip Kinsella took the
rides on Nigel’s horses, the first being Dracaena. In the
ring, it was Jo Foster’s Oso Tilley who was attracting
the money. Lady Lola went off at a tearaway pace and coming around
into the home straight, this headstrong sister to Supreme
Hill pushed out Black Rainbow as the pair came to the third.
Once the pace settled, Milliners Guide and Kismet took
them along with Oso Tilley in mid division and Rising Talisker,
under Rachel Clark, making a forward move from the rear. It was nip
and tuck along the straight, but a fine last jump saw Rising
Talisiker go to the front with Oso Tilley a half-length
behind. With Jo Foster in drive position, Oso Tilley pushed Rising
Talisker all the way to the line with Rachel Clark’s mount
getting landing the spoils. Dracaena ran well for his new
rider and should take a race this year.
Mens
Open
The in form Ben Woodhouse was aboard his fathers Mr Mahdlo, who had
been beaten by Mister Friday at Charm Park a week earlier. Black
Cheque attracted some support in the ring but his race was
over as early as it began with David Coates exiting at the second.
Supercharmer (Chris Dawson) led them out into the country for the
last time and with the field tightly bunched five from home, Oliver
Greenall made his move on Shackleton. At the finish, it was close
between Shackleton and Mr Mahdlo, but the judge’s decision
went the way of Woodhouse, who now has eight wins under his belt
this season. Mr Pendleberry (Nicky Tinkler) ran his usual game race
to take third with Step Lively (Wayne Burnell), fourth.
Ladies
Open
The classy Texas Ranger went off favourite but never really looked
like winning. San Francisco, a winner at Netherby last month,
was putting in a great display of jumping, making it from fence to
fence. Over The Beck was a faller at the first ditch and in rear
was 15-year-old Silver Groom, who looked a picture. The race really
got going with four to jump when Serena Brotherton brought her
own horse Ledgendry Line through to take it up at the last and
win by ten lengths with Midlands raider Bloomfield Storm
filling the runner up spot. Silver Groom came with a late run to
finish fourth and looked to be enjoying himself and he may still be
able to pick up a small race somewhere this season and I hope
I’m there to see it.
Restricted
Hattie went clear soon after the
start and at one point looked that she may not be caught, but
Lynne Ward and Wilfie Wild had other ideas and went in
pursuit of Hattie three from home. “Wilfie”, who was a
good second to Vics Fane at Charm Park last week, took this race at
the last with Snizort (Freya Hartley) taking second and Aunt
Gladys (Guy Brewer) third. Nampara Cove ran in patches and looked
rather one paced after his good second to Auntie Kathleen at
Witton Castle last month. The Singing Nun ran her best race to date
and may improve given time.
Open
Maiden Div 1
After been forced out in the Mares Maiden, Black Rainbow went to
post in this race and at one stage looked as though she may take
this race, but she found the winner Kiora Bay (David Thomas) and
Duggleby (second) just too good on this occasion. Jey Jey Keen
caught my eye and looks the sort that may pick up a race soon or
later.
Open
Maiden Div 2
Magic Route (Tina Jackson) took this from Senza Scrupoli, who
was given a cracking ride from Chris Dawson… watch for this
partnership over the coming weeks, I’m sure they will be
winning. Noggler is also one to look out for he wasn’t
knocked about and should come on for the race. Each time Bobby
Buttons runs, I back him. This time my ticket was in the bin a
long way from the finish… I’m sure his day will come,
hopefully when his odds are 33/1!
Once again, for the second
meeting running, the P.A was poor. It could not be heard in the
back straight, where a lot of people were standing.
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