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 […]
Midlands Area Club at Thorpe Lodge - Preview
Hot on the heels of a very successful meeting at Revesby Races on Sunday, the Midlands Area moves on to the traditional Midlands Area Club's fixture at Thorpe Lodge, Newark (NG23 5PY – w3w ///police.keen.shun) on Sunday 26th.
There are 78 entries for the fixture with a number of horses having multiple entries in different races. The going at time of writing is good to soft, soft in place, and the forecast for the week is dry and settled.
The MAC has put together a six-race card beginning at 11am with a conditions race supported by Southwell Racecourse. A number of these horses are also entered into the confined race, next up, so remarks apply to both. Quality runners here include Volnay de Thaix, Vedettariat, Crazy Jack, After Aspen and Warden Hill.
Following this we have a confined race with entries including Volnay de Thaix again, Minella Friend, After Aspen and Sugar Baron. The punter's favourite could be Pass The Glass, for whom this would be a fifth win in succession.
There are 16 entries for a race for novice riders which follows these. These races have become a great opportunity to see experienced older horses in action and here we could see the likes of Workbench, Susquehanna River, Little Windmill, Don Bersy, Distime and After Aspen in action. Don Bersy has already racked up a first and second this season, but could choose the mixed open race which follows.
The first two horses past the post in the feature race of the afternoon, The Midlands Area Supporters Mixed Open Race, will qualify for the Mixed Open Final at Cheltenham and the Skinner's Ladies Open Final at Stratford-on-Avon. We could see and amazing field for this one, with entries including 2019 Foxhunter winner Hazel Hill, who opened their 2020 account at Sheriff Hutton a fortnight ago on similar ground. Challengers could include Caryto des Brosses, Don Bersy, Latenightpass, Volnay de Thaix, Thetalkinghorse and Inchcolm, among others.
The penultimate race of the day is a restricted race, kindly sponsored by Roade Fibres. Of the 12 entries for this race only Dale Peters-trained and ridden Bonamargy has been in the frame this season. Gina Andrews has Dubai Quest here and the Wrights' The Alchemyst could be another to watch.
Finally, an open maiden race concludes the day's racing. There are 16 entered for this one, including Fitz Well, a half brother to No Pretender, and Well Finn, both making their racecourse debuts. Bear in mind that a number of mares and five-year-olds will get a weight allowance in this one.
Tickets are on sale online for £13 and will be £15 on the day for adults, with under-16s admitted free of charge.
Recent Posts
Fitzwilliam at Dingley 13th May - Preview
2pm Race 1 - PPORA Conditions Race kindly sponsored by Boiler Juice. 13 entered in the first race of the day. Championship chasing Jack Andrews has the choice of 3,whichever he rides will have a big chance. Minella Wizard ran well when second at the Easter meeting here, possibly the race came toosoon after his […]
The Fernie at Dingley 30th May - Report
Dingley’s second meeting of the year was also the Midland Area’s penultimate fixture of the season, the Fernie’s, and brought a good number of runners to the Market Harborough course, where Charles Millington and his team had prepared an excellent racing surface. The feature race of the afternoon was the Mixed Open for the Fernie […]
Fernie at Dingley 30th April - Preview
The penultimate fixture in the Midlands area is the point-to-point hosted by the Fernie at Dingley on Sunday 30th April 2023. The first of six horse races is scheduled for 2pm and of course there will be numerous trade stands to explore, caterers providing food and drink, a licensed bar, fun dog show, bookmakers and […]
The Quorn at Garthorpe - Report
A dry week in the lead up to the Quorn’s point-to-point on Saturday 22nd April produced some excellent racing on soft/good to soft ground at Leicestershire’s home of racing, Garthorpe racecourse. The meeting also broke new ground by hosting a schooling race, organised by Clerk of Course Jim Culloty which provided an opportunity for trainers […]