The final point-to-point of the Midlands Area season took place at Dingley racecourse, just outside Market Harborough in Leicestershire, on Saturday 13th May and produced doubles for jockey Jack Andrews and trainer Tom Ellis. Dale Peters trains and rides Thunderstruck, who made it two wins from the last three outings as he won the first […]
The Fitzwilliam at Dingley - report
An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a good day's racing at Dingley as the Fitzwilliam hosted the second of three fixtures at the Market Harborough course.
The first race on the card was the Hunt Members and was won by in-form local jockey and trainer Dale Peters and favourite Bi Quini Tiep, who finished alone. A second win on the bounce for this combination.
The PPORA Club Members Conditions race which followed this was won gamely by Rendezvous Peak (Miss A. Stevens) who made the running and hung on well to take the victory by a length from favourite Bavard Court (Miss L. Allan). According To Trev took third having come back from a long way back.
Pre-race interest produced joint favourites for the Mens Open race, which came next. Aunty Joan (James Martin) and Jimmy The Jetplane (James Jackson-Stops) went off at 13/8 and indeed did prove to be the ones to beat. Aunty Joan managed to hold on and record the victory by two and a half lengths in a good finish, with Pay The King third. This was Aunty Joan’s first outing in open company and proved to be more than up to it. Definitely one to watch.
Five lined up in the Ladies Open. Midnight King continued his run of form under Claire Hardwick to beat the race favourite Ravethebrave and Izzie Marshall into second place. Sa Kaldoun was another to feature, and finished third, but neither second nor third place horses looked to have enough to overcome the winner.
The restricted race was won very impressively by Bengo, ridden by Archie Wright. Owner Nick Wright was delighted. “After a long lay off we were pleased with his run at Fakenham where he was beaten by a good horse. He then disappointed at Northaw next time, so we were delighted with the Dingley run on good ground which seemed to suit him." Cornerman was second, 25 lengths back, The Glover just behind them.
The open maiden race provided a very close finish between Bobs Call (P. Armson) and Mr Snuffles (Tommie O'Brien), the former taking it by a neck. Philip Armson is making a real impression this season and is clearly going to be a jockey to watch in the future.
Tommie O'Brien wasn't to remain disappointed for very long because he won the two and a half mile maiden which followed. His mount, Elyaqim, held off a late charge from second placed Chosen Tribe (Tom McClorey), with their 21lb weight allowance no doubt an advantage.
There are two remaining fixtures in the Midlands this season, the first of these follows this Saturday at Garthorpe, hosted by the Meynell and South Staffordshire. The first race is at 2pm and the going at the time of writing is Good to Firm.
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