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 too
soon after his win at Brafield, Thunderstruck filled the same position here at the Easter meeting,
but what seems to be holding him back is his jumping if he puts it all together would be a threat
to all. The others are all pretty well exposed but any of them on their day are well upto running
well.

2.35pm Race 2 - The Restricted Race in Memory of Jamie Close kindly sponsored by Beryl
Close, Georgina Bentley and James Close.

Good number of entries for the restricted which have been struggling for entries most of the
season so it’s good to see. On paper looks a very competitive race, Champagne Glory looked
like a horse to follow in his first race at Garthorpe this season but surprisingly is still a restricted
horse which didn’t look likely with his great run there, who knows maybe this is the race he
finally gets out of the grade, Best Friend Barnaby however looks like a promising pointer and
with the underfoot conditions looking like being on the soft side could take all the beating,
Maskadam, Secret Scripture, Marton Abbey, Get Bye have shown good form and could also get
involved. Chibichou Duboutio was second on 2m4 here in April and won over that distance at
Mollington. If she stays she could run a big race too.

3.10 Race 3 - Mens Open kindly sponsored by Stacks Property Search.

Some old favourites here, Muckamore was a decent handicapper under rules for Nigel Twiston
Davies and him and Harry Arkwright are starting to form a partnership if they stay together they
could take all the beating, Jack Andrews rides Koyote for the first time and if she runs in this
over the ladies she would be an interesting runner. The Unmentionable early season form would
make him the horse to beat but hasn’t run up to that his last few runs so remains to be seen
which one turns up if the early season one turns up he’s a big player.

Red Maple ran well when second at Kempton in a Hunterchase over 2m4 on good ground so
this will be a different test but he could be upto it.

3.45 Race 4 - Ladies open kindly sponsored by The Sharp Family in memory of Cliff Sharp

Looks a very competitive race on paper without a stand out candidate, so hopefully most of
them turn up and it could be a good race, Southfield Theatre has been a real warrior for the
Bradstock family and must be a real favourite and still shows his love for the game at the grand
age of 15 and while maybe not the force of old I’m sure if he turns up here he will put on a good
show again, Solomon Grey ran another big race at the Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening so
would be a surprise if he turned out quickly but if he does would have a great chance, No
Hassle Hoff has formed a great partnership with Kate Gowing and have ran some good races
this season and I’m sure will run another big race again, and whatever beats him will probably win, Koyote could run here also and could have a chance of getting her first success in open
level. quite a few of the others have 2 ways of running but if turn up in good form are more than
capable of being competitive.

4.20 Race 5 - 3 Mile Maiden kindly sponsored by Will & Georgie in memory of Fred Roughton
15 entered here, Hugh de Lacy has had 3 runs in Irish points and was a promising 3rd in his
second run but didn’t back that up when pulled up next time but having his first run for the
Rowley team he would appear to have a leading chance, there’s a few in here that have started
their careers in Irish maidens then made there way over here, Dunworley has ran 2 time since
making the switch coming 2nd both times but does probably need to improve to be getting his
head in front, Vango Vick has ran twice for Nigel Padfield coming respectable 4th and 2nd so
could have a live chance too. The once raced Saynothingtonoone ran a nice race when 3rd at
Askham Bryan and was not knocked about when his chance was gone so if improves for that
outing would appear to have a big chance too.

4.55 Race 6 - 2m4 maiden kindly sponsored by Polyco Healthline

19 entered here with 7 of them unraced so a lot of unknown qualities here, but with some top
stables represented there could be a nice one or 2 amongst them,
Most of the rest of them have only ran a hand full of times each so they can also still be
improving, Horizon D’ainay had a decent level of form under rules and ran a nice race between
the flags here 2 weeks ago when coming 2nd if he comes forward for that run would have a big
chance, she won’t mind ran a race full of promise at Garthorpe on her first run over fences
having come 5th in her bumper at Brafield in March and if jumping with a bit more fluency could
take the necessary step forward to go close. Nothinelsematters was running a big race first time
out when himself and a well touted newcomer from the Ellis stable where pulling clear of the
field at Charm Park before tipping up at the second last when still in with a shout although he
ran here 2 weeks ago and didn’t back that run up but if back to his first run would again have a
strong chance.

For this race in particular I think being around the paddock pre race could be the vital clue.

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 children’s amusements including a mini-fair to ensure that there is something for all the family. Bring a picnic and tailgate before enjoying some great racing.

The feature race of the meeting is the third race, the Welland Valley Feeds Mixed Open, now a race over three miles rather than the traditional four. The nine entries here are made up largely of very talented first season pointers like Radnor Lodbrok, Seven No Trumps and I K Brunel. Alongside them are more experienced horses like Foxhunters entry Go Go Geronimo, Al Shahir who won at Garthorpe last season, No Hassle Hoff and Golden Tobouggan.

Prior to this the first race of the afternoon is a two and a half mile Maiden Race, sponsored kindly by Watling JCB. There are 19 horses entered for this race so we should see a good number of these start. A number are making their racecourse debut but others have some form, including horses with a second placed finish on their only previous outing.

Charles Stanley have sponsored the second race, a Conditions Race for Novice Riders who started this season with fewer than five wins to their name. Bawnmore is one to watch in this one, with promising jockey Ellie Holder riding for trainer Tom Ellis. The combination have two wins from three runs this season so far. Harry Arkwright rides Muckamore, another strong contender, trained by Francesca Poste and a winner last time out. Twilight Girl is another very capable hunter/pointer who is likely to race prominently in this one.

The Sharnford Tractors Restricted Race follows the Mixed Open with nine entries. Bestfriend Barnaby is the best rated in this field and has two wins to their name so far. It would be significant if they make the trip from Shropshire for this one but the do have a second entry for Eyton on Bank Holiday Monday. Stuart Morris’ stable is represented by Classic Ruler and will have Jack Andrews in the saddle, while Francesca Poste trains the grey In Our Dreams, winner of his maiden at Chaddesley Corbett a fortnight ago. John Dawson trains eight-year-old Duke Account, a winner last time out. Kelly Morgan may saddle five-year-old Definite Call but also has the five-year-old entered for the last here. The Suffolk yard of Edward Turner is represented by Mister Splash who won at High Easter in soft ground. Others here include Dunworley for Richard Pringuer, Highland Glory for Alan Hill, and Kostantina for Philip Lutman.

The penultimate race of the afternoon is a Conditions Race for Veteran Horses which is sponsored by Matthew Teece Fencing. The stand-out horse here should be Clondaw Westie who has only had a single run this year but that should have freshened him nicely. They do, however, have two other entries over the weekend. Tom Ellis is sending Pass The Glass, second and third on two runs this season, but Jack Andrews in the saddle this time. Another to watch could be Spider Web for Jon Barlow.

The Rod Millington Maiden Race, the last on the card, has been generously sponsored by Travis Perkins. Thirteen are entered here but some have other entry choices over this busy weekend of pointing around the country. Some of these maidens have some form, but others are making their debut between the flags.

Fences have been sponsored by Fisher German and Deene Park and the car passes were kindly sponsored by King West. Winning mementoes have been donated by Rockingham Castle and The Fairfax and Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials, while the jockeys' prizes were provided by Phillips Sutton Associates. The Best Turned Out prizes are supported by Harry Drew Construction.

The Quorn's meeting at Garthorpe Racecourse is on Saturday 22nd April. Gates open at 11am and the first race is at 2pm.

The course at Garthorpe is receiving regular inspections, and at the time of writing the Clerk of Course Jim Culloty reckons that with the current dry forecast the fresh track that he has prepared will be on the easy side of good ground.

There are six races on the card, followed by a schooling race which will not feature in the race card and not be subject to any betting or official results.

The first of these is a Conditions race for horses of five-years-old and upwards, sponsored by The Fox & Hounds in Knossington. Prairie Town, Fortunes Hill, For Rita and Bawnmore all won their last races but the most in-form horse in this line up could well be Ballinagore, trained by David Kemp, who won here at this meeting last year, won at the course in February and won earlier this month at Higham. Tom Ellis has several entered here but the likely runner is Walkonthewildside, with Jack Andrews in the plate, a horse who has two wins and two thirds from his four starts in points. The James Owen-trained Twilight Girl is a very capable horse, with three wins and two seconds before a fall last time, and Morning Vicar, trained by Edward Turner is another to watch, but also has an entry in the next.

After this we have the feature race of the day, the Robert Whowell and Partners Mixed Open Race. The quirky Caryto des Brosses heads the ratings for this race, having only run in hunter chases this season. Trained by David Kemp and owned by John Ridge, he has won on this course multiple times and has beaten other horses entered in this race. Dundrum Wood will definitely be challenging though. Ridden by Martha Reeve for her Grandmother and trained by Tom Ellis, this nine-year-old in in form, with four wins from his last four starts. Badbad Leroy Brown had his first outing for the season at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday when he finished second to Dundrum Wood in the Mixed Open. Santon will be the most local of runners, trained up the road from the course by Kelly Morgan for John Chatfeild-Roberts. Meisha Micklewright has the ride. Cullin Hills has run eight times since the new year and has won five of those for the William Milburn stable, but this would be a step up in race. Black Op has a win and a second from three runs this year.

The Restricted race is kindly sponsored by Melton Mowbray Market and is our third of the afternoon. These are all horses with a maiden win one their record, with Paper Mill, trained by Michael Kehoe, and Sleek 'n' Chic, ridden and trained by Bradley Gibbs, both winning last time out. Zac Baker makes a welcome return to Garthorpe to ride Gamalou d'Alene for Charlie Willes while local trainer Jon Barlow saddles Horizon Dove, second here in March, with Paddy Barlow in the plate. Raleagh Flora returns to pointing after a brief return to racing under rules.

At 3.45pm The Prestwold Hall Conditions Race for Novice Riders will start, with ten horses entered. Barrack Hill should be well fancied here, depending on who ends up riding him, having won here at the Belvoir meeting in March. Give Us A Swig had a reasonable career under rules but was 6th last time when racing here in February. Manicman is another who knows how to win a point-to-point, but only has one run this season which brought hum a third. Wishful Dreaming looks quite good on paper, with wins and second placed finished under rules, but hasn't yet completed a point-to-point for new owner/rider Isla John. Take to Hear, from the Turner stable in Suffolk, has won with Rupert Stearn in the plate but now has Miss C. G. Butler on board. The Andrew Pennock-trained Sum It Up has run five times this season and has a couple of second placed finishes. Ridelonglivelong is trained by Cherry Coward and has also been placed a couple of times. Nortonthorpelegend finished second on one of its six runs so far this year.

Two Maiden races for horses which have not yet won a race complete the card. The first of these is the William Hercock Open Maiden. Phillippa Taylor owns and trains Ultra Viers, looking to go one better than the three seconds from four runs so far this season, and her daughter, Phoebe Jones, rides Elmdale who was promising at Dingley before unseating the rider and finished third at Edgcote. Horizon Dove, ridden by Paddy Barlow for Jon, was second on his only outing between the flags, here at Garthorpe. Below The Radar is ridden by Alice Stevens for Francesca Poste, while another five-year-old, There's Claude, has a third and a second from his two runs. A couple here are yet to complete a race.

Finally The Goffs UK Maiden for Four and Five-Year-Old horses completes the card, and is run over the shorter distance of two and a half miles. Six of the fourteen horses entered here are making their racecourse debut. She Won't Mind has raced once in a point-to-point flat race while Nothingelsematters and Carapaz fell on their only outing. There's Claude, Wottinger and Buy Some Time have all had top three finishes in their previous runs.

As previously mentioned, there will be a schooling race to follow these but there will be no betting on this race and runners and riders will not be publicised. Throughout the day there will be plenty to do, including children's amusements, trade stands, a licensed bar and catering stands. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy a day out with the family? Entry on the gate is £15 for adults, and under-16s are free. Dogs are very welcome but must remain on a lead at all times, preferably attached to something sensible.

The South Notts Point-to-Point fixture is at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday, with the first race at 1.30pm.

Thorpe Lodge racecourse has postcode NG23 5PY and What3Words address hurt.dispenser.central and is signposted from Farndon Village on the old A46, just south of Newark. The gates open at 11am, with tickets on the gate costing £12.50 via cash or card. Under 16s are free and you can buy a racecard on the gate for £2.50.

At the time of writing the going at Thorpe Lodge is Good to Soft, Soft along the back straight. This will be updated via our social channels and our website through the week.

The dog show starts at 2pm. Entry is £1 so please try to bring change if you are planning to enter. Rosettes in each class plus a Champion in Show. Junior handlers will all get Easter eggs.

“Bark and Go” Lure Racing is an exciting form of dog racing which you can try at our point-to-point. Can your dog be the fastest of the day? All proceeds go towards Drone to Home, which is a local dog tracing charity, which has been used by thousands of people to find their lost dogs.

We have a large selection of trade stands, selling everything from equestrian clothing to accessories for your pets. The Injured Jockeys Fund are also bringing their stand to remind us all of the important role they provide to racing as a whole.

A wide variety of food outlets are coming, from Italian to Indian, toasties and loaded fries. This year there are two bars, two coffee stands, and ice cream for those feeling summery.

Due to the number of fixtures over the Easter weekend, many horses are entered for multiple races at more than one fixture, with the decision as to where to go made nearer the day. 40 of the 55 horses entered here at Thorpe Lodge have entries at other meetings over the weekend too. If a horse mentioned here isn't at the meeting, this could be why.

The big race of the afternoon is the Ineos Grenadier Mixed Open at 2.40pm which will feature the very best horses on the circuit. The market leader may be Ragnar Lodbrok, trained by Jennifer Owen in East Anglia and ridden by Alex Chadwick. They have won two races this season and been placed in the other two but also have an entry at Dingley on Easter Saturday. Rebel Dawn Rising had his first proper run of the season in the same race at Garthorpe a fortnight ago and won it with effort to spare. Southfield Theatre is a very talented veteran pointer with two seconds and a win this season. Also very much in the hunt will be Desire de Joie (Archie Wright) for Nick Wright, Badbad Leroy Brown for Stephen Wiles, Dundrum Wood (Miss M. Reeve) for Tom Ellis, Early Retirement for Dale Peters, Getting Closer (Izzie Marshall) For Alan Hill, Muckamore (Harry Arkwright) for Francesca Poste and The Whistle Blower (Paddy Barlow) for Jon Barlow. An excellent race in prospect.

The first of our point-to-point horse races is the Ladies Conditions race, sponsored kindly by Frank Key. Izzie Marshall has the ride on Normofthenorth for Alan Hill and the Three Farmers and a Gardener Partnership. This nine-year-old has won its last two races but may face strong opposition from the in-form partnership of Ellie Holder and Champagne Noir, who have two wins in the Novice Riders series this season so far. Tigerbythetail has the option to run in the intermediate race here but has won three in a row to reach this level in his first season and will probably choose this race. If Early Retirement chooses this race over the Open then Lucy Wheeler would ride, they will decide between now and then. Similarly Amber Jackson-Fennell has the ride on For Rita, and they, along with Present Ranger may race at Dingley two days previously instead. Between The Waters may choose the Open instead of this race; Spider Web sees Alice Stevens ride for Jon Barlow, and Take To Heart represents the Turner team from Suffolk, who have been in good form this season.

The Intermediate race which follows this is sponsored by Triangle Kia and promises to be a good competition. The New Kid is trained and ridden by Dale Peters for Liz Inman and Tim Tarratt and tops the ratings but horses like Ballinagore (Alex Chadwick for David Kemp), Coolagh Park (Izzie Marshall for Alan Hill), Itsallintheclouds (Gina Andrews for Tom Ellis) and Runwiththetide (Alice Stevens for Kelly Morgan) have all got recent form at the lower level. Nick Wright's Tekap (Archie Wright), The Picnic Partnership's Hung Jury (Amber Jackson-Fennell) and Angela Yeoman's Southfield Lily (Lily Bradstock) are others to watch.

Restricted horses have only won a single race to date, and their race, sponsored by Frank Key, is the penultimate point-to-point of the day. Ten entries here include Secret Scripture, yet to complete in points but well-rated, Urban Grit (Izzie Marshall) from Alan Hill's string, and one of either Mount Pleasant and Money Spinner, both of whom won for the Wright's a fortnight ago. Midlands area trainers are well represented here with Classic Ruler for Stuart Morris, Courtly Love for Laura Pomfret, Doctor Tom for Kelly Morgan, and Fortunes Hill for Jon Barlow.

The last point-to-point of the day is the Maiden where a mare received a weight allowance but there are none given for age. Biddys Wild Child (Alice Stevens) and Lucky Casino make their racecourse debuts here, while Marie's Girl would be racing in points for the first time after some time under rules. Tango Pete, Taita Sunrise, Gunteur, Gabrielle de Balon, Crobally Boy and All The Ammunition all have second placed finishes this season.

After racing, stay around for the South Notts Hunt Challenge. Eight non-jockeys go to post for this popular event, and ride one and a half times around the track to try to match an optimum time. Last year's winner, equine vet Roger Lee, joins us again. He has competition from local legend Mark Chatterton and rare horse breed campaigner Bruce McKim among others.

After the disappointing cancellation of the Pytchley meeting at Guilsborough on 12th March, Midlands Point-to-point racing returns to Garthorpe this Sunday for the Belvoir meeting.

The clocks will have gone forward early on Sunday morning so the first race is at 2pm.

All traffic heading for Garthorpe should be aware that on Sunday 26th there is also a cycle race in the area which has been allowed to close the road between Melton Mowbray and Stapleford (the main approach to Garthorpe from the West) between 1045am and 11.30am. We will post a map of the race course on our social media channels but it is worth noting that the organisers assure us that any road closures will be limited to a maximum of 10-15 minutes.

Racing gets underway with a Hunt Members race sponsored by W. Spence and Son. There are three horses entered with a Belvoir entry leading the ratings in the form of Barrack Hill. This eleven-year-old gelding is owned by Judith and Barrie Holt and trained in the Vale by Jonathan Barlow. His last run in point-to-points was at Sheriff Hutton last April when he won the restricted race on similar ground. Also flying the flag for the Belvoir is Chahuteur, trained just down the road from Garthorpe by Kelly Morgan for John Chatfeild-Roberts. Also, eleven this season, he's only completed two of his four starts. Square Viviani challenges these from the Cottesmore country, where he is trained by Becky Smith for Ryder and Alex Sugden. He's only had one race between the flags, in which he came fourth of nine.

There are five horses entered for the Fairfax Saddles Restricted race. Bloodstone is trained by owner James Henderson and has had two second place finishes this season. Latenightrumble is the next exciting Late Night progeny from the Ellis family, hoping to make the jump to intermediate on his third run. Phil Lutman owns and trains Kostantina which will have a 7lb mare's allowance but hasn't been seen yet this season. Lies About Milan makes the trip from the Cotswolds and Derek Smith brings Worth Presenting from Shropshire for Bart Ryan-Beswick.

There is plenty of recent form in the line up for the Intermediate race, next on the card, kindly sponsored by Roythornes. Ballinagore represents in-form trainer David Kemp having won well here at Garthorpe on his last outing. Alex Chadwick gets the ride. Newly crowned "World's Tallest Jockey" has options in this race, in the form of All Is True for the Ellis team, with two wins this season already, and Meetuatnine, trained by Stuart Morris for Julie Marriott, a winner last time at Horseheath. Foxhunters winner Bradley Gibbs trains and rides mare Honey I'm Good who is sure to feature. Lagan Valley is in very good shape for Julie Wadland, with two wins from four starts this season - a very promising six-year-old. Frisson Collonges is one of two entries for James Henderson, another horse to win last time at Larkhill. The other Henderson-trained horse entered is Bloodstone, also entered in the first.

The Ineos Grenadier Mixed Open is the feature race of the day, and part of the National Series. Top-rated of the ten entries is Caryto des Brosses, a high class hunter/pointer who is very difficult to beat on the right day. His first outing this season produced a win in the Southwell Hunter Chase on 6th March for trainer David Kemp. Badbad Leroy Brown hasn't yet run this season but has form on this course, having won the mixed open here two years ago on quicker ground. Tom Ellis-trained Jetaway Joey, with wins in two of his three runs as a pointer, is likely to be the mount of Jack Andrews, while Midlands Championship leading jockey and trainer Dale Peters will be on Rebel Dawn Rising, another useful hunter/pointer. Mr Snuffles will represent Laura Richardson and be another to watch, along with First Drift and Homme d'Un Soir.

The first of two maidens is next, kindly sponsored by Skelton Farms and Ponton Grange Liveries. This maiden is over three miles and without age allowances for the younger horses. All these horses are yet to win a race but some to have a look at include Mount Pleasant for the Wright family; Mugs of Champagne and Sleek 'n' Chic, both trained by Bradley Gibbs; Blackjacktennessee, from the yard of Philip Rowley, and The Pier Field, for Andrew Pennock. Nick Wright's Money Spinner is an ex-chaser who was unluckily brought down in his first outing in point-to-points.

The Chandlers Country Stores Conditions race, our penultimate of the day, is a stayers race over 3 miles 6 furlongs for horses of six years and over and has seven entries. Sugar Baron is owned and trained by Nick Wright and was fourth on his only trip this season. G&T Racing are represented by Bawnmore (Jack Andrews) who won at Horseheath in December. First Drift could choose this over the open.

To end the afternoon's racing we have the Teigh Old Rectory Bed and Breakfast 2 mile 4 furlong maiden which does offer weight allowances for the younger horses. As as result, four of the entries will carry 14lb less than their rivals. Mugs of Champagne and Sleek 'n' Chic have second entries here so we should assume that one will run in each race. Six horses here have no point-to-point form at all, but one of those, Horizon Dove, was second on her last two runs as under rules. Tom Ellis has two entries here for Pep Talking, second on his only outing, and Wicked Thoughts, making his racecourse debut.

We look forward to seeing you at Garthorpe on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased in advance from our website midlandspointing.com, or from garthorpe.com. You can also pay on the gate with cash or card. Children under 16 are free. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead. You can even enter them into our dog show!

Guilsborough will host the next Midlands area point-to-point fixture, the Pytchley with Woodland meeting this Sunday, 12th March.

The left-handed Guilsborough course is just off the A5199, between Creaton and Thornby in Northamptonshire (NN6 8SR), and the going is currently reported to be good, with rain forecast this week.

The afternoon’s entertainment begins at midday with pony races. These will take place one after another with the prize giving following them.

The first horse race begins at 1pm with the Goffs UK Maiden for horses of four and five years old. These races are important showcases for these "store horses" many of whom will be heading for the sales in the coming months. Four-year-old colts and geldings receive a 10lb allowance, while a four-year-old filly receives a substantial 17lb allowance. Idaho des Brosses and Back it Up are the only horses with racing experience in this lineup.

Another maiden race follows this, kindly sponsored by Billing Finance. This time the ages of the entries range from five years old to nine years old. Ultra Viers is a strong competitor in this line up, having finished second to Santon in the 2m 4f Quorn Hunter Chase at Leicester last week, but there are horses representing nearly all the country's top trainers in this field, and a couple coming straight from racing under rules.

The Restricted race is sponsored by Mr and Mrs Christopher Latilla-Campbell and has eleven entries. Captain Biggles won at Garthorpe last time out under Jack Andrews and is ridden here by his sister, Gina. Jack rides one of Champagne Glory (for the sponsors), Classic Ruler for Claire and Jennifer Knight and Stuart Morris, or Penniless for Nigel Padfield, Bloodstone has two seconds on his last two runs, while Paddy Barlow is booked to ride Surprise Attack for Jon Barlow and Lottie Covell. Runwiththetide is a mare who comes to race between the flags for the first time after a career in hurdling. Da Boy Charlie, Duntish and Karismatik are all looking for a jump in form.

We are grateful to Berrys for their sponsorship of an interesting looking Mixed Open race, the feature race of the day, with ten entered. In form trainer David Kemp has Rebel Dawn Rising in this, making his seasonal debut under Dale Peters and sure to be a contender. Fergal O'Brien's runner, Sir Jack Yeats, was second in a Kelso hunter chase on his last outing and is improving with every run. Alex Chadwick has the choice of two East Anglian rides in Ragnar Lodbrok, a first season pointer with an open win under his belt, and Rock on Rocco, a winner last time out in a Club Members at Higham. Dundrum Wood represents the Tom Ellis stable, fresh from a win in the Ladies Open at Alnwick in February. Alan Hill-trained Diplomate Sivola should never be ignored, Ben Sutton rides. Rizzardo is a recent convert to the pointing circuit, having raced under rules for Nigel Twiston-Davies, and he hunted round to a sixth place in their first run at Kingston Blount at the end of February. Verity Taylor rides for her mother, owner and trainer Phillippa Taylor.

If Castle Trump runs in the open, he will be looking to cement his place in open company with an improvement on fifth last time, but he also has an entry into the Level 2 Conditions race which follows, kindly sponsored by The Hawthorns. If they choose the open then jockey Charles Buckle has and entry with Josh The Plod here instead. Others with multiple entries include Ragnar Lodbrok and Rock on Rocco, both with Alex Chadwick in the plate. Jack Andrews will ride either Golden Tobouggan for Julie Wadland or Meetuatnine for Stuart Morris and Julie Marriott. Dale Peter may find himself riding How To Get Away for David Kemp against a horse he trains in Fixe Le Kap, ridden by Lucy Wheeler. Bradley Gibbs rides and trains Honey I'm Good, a winner this season and the beneficiary of a 7lb allowance for being a mare. Tom Ellis trains Fairly Famous, with consecutive wins in a maiden and restricted this season and Gina Andrews on board. Flaminger is a multiple winner under rules but makes his debut here in point-to-points for Heidi Brookshaw and owner/rider Daniel Cherriman.

The last formal race of the day is the Sibbertoft Manor Conditions race (Level 3), with fourteen entries. The New Kid is likely to be well-backed, ridden and trained by Dale Peters for Liz Inman and Tim Tarratt. Others who could feature include Oldgrangewood trained by Alan Hill, Neumond trained by Stuart Morris, Hung Jury for Francesca Poste, General Custard for David Bingham, Forest Chimes for Philip Rowley, Barrack Hill for Jon Barlow and Flying Colum for Luke Price. King Cnut makes his point-to-point debut here, having won under rules over chase fences.

E-tickets are still available on the Midlands Pointing website, or you can pay on the day at the gate. Children under 16 are admitted free of charge. Guilsborough always has a good selection of trade stands and food outlets, including a licensed bar. Dogs are, of course, welcome, as long as they are kept on a lead at all times.

By Emma Forman

The annual Brocklesby point to point races, a highlight of the sporting and social calendar in Lincolnshire, take place this Saturday at Brocklesby Park by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Yarborough. 96 entries have been take for a 7 race card starting at noon. With fine weather forecast all week, the going is likely to be “good” by Saturday. A team of volunteers have been busy getting the course ready and the new fences are complete with up to date white guard rails bringing them in line with racing under national hunt rules.

The first race on the card, the Grimsby Roofing Services sponsored Brocklesby, Burton and South Wold Members race, has 4 entries. Sovereign Gold, who may line up for Ben and Rebecca Atkins, is the highest rated horse. She won 3 point to points in Ireland before being placed on the track for Henry De Bromhead. Since crossing the Irish sea, Sovereign Gold has been placed second in a point to point at Dunsmore and may be the pick here. Star Present is owned by John Cottingham, he has been fourth in a Maiden at Alnwick already this year and his Malton trainer / rider Jack Teal was in form with a winner at Duncombe Park on Sunday. Tom Strawson has Asandwhenyouwant set to make his racecourse debut. This eight-year-old may be an unknown quantity but is from the family of Sounds Like Fun who was a 9-time winner for Henrietta Knight. The quartet of entries is completed by Sommervieu, a maiden and restricted winner trained by Simon Robinson at Linwood, who has been off the track since the COVID pandemic struck.

Clark Weightman are sponsoring the PPROA Conditions race for which 19 entries have been taken. Jack Teal may take the mount on either Braavos or Hi Murphy for Grainthorpe farmer Mike Dawson; either of these horses would be popular winners with the local crowd but also hold entries later on the card. Gina and Tom Ellis who completed a treble in the Midlands area at Garthorpe on Sunday, look set for a busy afternoon once again. Here they may run Bawnmore who will have to defy a 3 lbs. penalty. The same can be said for Dawnie Boy for Bradley Gibbs; the winner of a conditions race in December, will need to bring his jumping A game if he is to feature at Brocklesby. David Kemp may bring How To Get Away from his East Anglia stable, he should also be one for the short list. However, possibly the one they all have to beat is decisive Sheriff Hutton winner Tom Cody from Cherry Coward’s Yorkshire stable.

The Mixed Open race has a large entry of 20 and is sponsored by Baillie Haylage. Cherry Coward may choose to run Tom Cody here or Ballydonagh Boy; he has also been in form so far this time. Dale Peters should fill a place with The Unmentionable who finished a good second to Black Op at Sheriff Hutton. General Arrow or Kalabaloo may represent the Ellis stable and Just Your Type also deserves a mention. However, the race could go the way of Envious Editor who has won 3 times this season for Joe O’ Shea including an easy victory in a Hunter Chase at Taunton last month.

The largest entry of the day is for the DDM Agriculture 8 year olds and over Conditions race which has attracted 23 horses. Cool Desire for Alice and John Dawson will be suited by the predicted good ground. One For Billy has a 10lbs penalty to carry if he lines up for Alex Dunn and both Mammoth and The New Kid have been in form recently.

The Restricted race, sponsored by Brigg Office Supplies has 9 entries. Revesby maiden winner Walkonthewildside bids to follow up here. To be successful however, he will have to beat Latenightrumble from the Tom Ellis stable. This horse is a half-brother to the 2022 Aintree Foxhunters winner Lightnightpass and can be expected to progress through the ranks following a maiden win at Alnwick. Bestfriend Barnaby should run into a place for Caroline Robinson.

There are 2 maiden races to complete the card, the first of which is the Jockey Club Mares and Fillies maiden which has 7 entries. Chabichou Dupoitou could possibly be the winner here. She is a homebred horse owned by Grand National winning owner Robert Waley Cohen and has some placed form under rules when trained by Philip Hobbs last year. Alternative options include Grenadine Save and Super Dawn who both have place form in point to points.

The concluding open maiden has 14 entries and is being sponsored by Nunns Isuzu. The Ellis stable may be represented by Iskander Pecos who cost 33 000 Euros from the Derby sale in 2021 and was fourth on his debut. The Ellis team also have another 5-year-old Lord Pethers entered. This horse is far more exposed having been disappointing under rules for Dan Skelton prior to joining the pointing ranks. Alan Hill may run point to point bumper winner Ilhela d’ Engilbert and Fran Poste’s grey Pocatello who was placed second at Sheriff Hutton is another to note.

There is an award for the leading rider on the day, kindly sponsored by Glenbrook Advisors and a cash prize for the best turned out in each race has been sponsored by Singleton Birch.

Brocklesby Park can be accessed via the B1210 close to Humberside Airport. Admission is £13 if tickets are ordered in advance from www.midlandspointing.com/tickets or £15 on the day. (Cash or Card) Under 16’s are free. There will be a good range of food outlets and trade stands and the party will continue in the bar after racing.

The Midlands Point-to-point season kicks off on Saturday 21st January at Revesby Races with a six-race card which starts at midday.

The course at Revesby is easy to find, just off the A155 past the village of Revesby. The What3Words address is diplomats.comet.resettle.

Visitors can expect a range of food and drink options as well as a licensed bar and a number of bookmakers. There will also be a variety of other trade stands to visit between races.

The first of six races is a conditions race for novice riders. Of the 11 entries for this race, two already have wins this season. Tom Ellis has had a good start to this season, with 13 winners to date, and he trains two horses entered in this race but Champagne Noir is the likely runner. Jaisalmer (Miss L. New) won a similar race at Chaddesley Corbett in December. Francesca Poste brings Muckamore, with Harry Arkwright in the saddle, an ex-chaser with good credentials but also a 10lb penalty to carry. Earlshill won a veteran conditions race here last year but hasn't matched that result since, so will be hoping that this is a course that the horse loves. Philip Rowley-trained Jonjoela is one of two horses, the other being Scattercash, to benefit from a 7lb allowance, meaning they will be carrying over a stone less than some other horses. Roc d'Apsis is the oldest horse in the field at 14, but is a very capable hunter/pointer and worth watching. Soldier at War was third behind Bawnmore at Horseheath last time out but may enjoy the slightly quicker ground here at Revesby. Midlands trainer Stuart Morris has Neumond entered here for Judy Wilson.

The Melvyn Leach Open Maiden race follows this and has attracted a good field of 14 entries, so let's hope a good number declare on the day. Two of these, Prince of Newton (Gina Andrews) and Reachingnewheights (Bradley Gibbs) are making their racecourse debuts. Bradley has the option of Not Bad Are You, second on his first run at Chaddesley Corbett, while Gina is also down to ride Walkonthewildside - Jack Andrews may ride one of the Ellis horses. Maskadam (Dale Peters), has shown potential in previous runs and will be looking to score some points towards the Midlands Championship. Holderness trainer Emma Clark has Elusive Secret and Free Choice entered, both with second place finishes to their name, while another Holderness trainer, Karen Clifton, brings Crobally Boy who was fourth on their first run between the flags. Alex Chadwick has the ride on Close Contact and Huw Edwards has Floating Island, both have 7lb allowances in this company.

11 horses are entered for the mixed open race, next, including quality hunter Pont Aven, trained by Jennifer Owen for Tim Gredley and last seen in the Foxhunters under Alex Chadwick. Tommie O'Brien has the ride on Trio for Rio, a classy pointer and one to watch, while Bradley Gibbs trains and rides Fier Jaguen which won unchallenged at Chaddesley Corbett on the 27th December. Dundrum Wood (Miss M. Reeve) and General Arrow (Gina Andrews) make a formidable team for the Tom Ellis yard, making their season debuts, with General Arrow the more likely to run on this ground. Castle Trump is a useful pointer from the East Essex, trained by Rob Cundy for Charles Buckle, but this intermediate may lead the betting in the next instead. Champion Jockey James King has the ride on Kaproyale for Francesca Poste, second to Famous Clermont last time out at Larkhill. Lily Bradstock will be on one of two very capable rides for Sara Bradstock, Myth Buster or Southfield Theatre.

The Spilsby NFU Intermediate race ratings may be led by Rob Cundy-trained Castle Trump (Charles Buckle) if they choose this over the mixed open. The same stable also has the very capable Josh The Plod entered. James King rides Lift Me Up, which has two wins from three runs so far, while Gina Andrews will challenge with Loughan. Dale Peters will fly the Midlands Area flag with My Uncas, twice a winner at Dingley last season. Philip Rowley trains Forest Chimes for Mrs. D. Williams. Ask Dai, the ride of Bradley Gibbs, is a winner already this season and won't be making the trip from Carmarthenshire without a chance.

The next race is part of the Nationally sponsored Retraining of Racehorses and Jockey Club Veteran Horse Conditions series. Of the ten entries here, Braavos, Earlshill, General Custard, Neumond, Roc d'Apsis and Southfield Theatre all have entries in previous races. Of these Southfield Theatre would look like the one to beat. Buster Edwards (Huw Edwards) missed a season last year but is a proven winner of hurdles and one of the younger horses in this field, and Izzie Marsh will ride Knight Bachelor for the Alan Hill stable, another to watch. Vango de Vaigo is trained by Philip Rowley for the McCain-Mitchell family, Jack Andrews makes a welcome return to the Midlands Area as an amateur, this time with Neumond for Stuart Morris and Judy Wilson.

There are ten entries for the last race of the day, a flat race for four and five-year-old horses over a distance of approximately two miles. Only two of these horses have run on a racecourse before. Roseburg (James King) and Clover All Over (Gina Andrews) claim a 7lb allowance, while Quecha (M. Dodd) receives 11lbs and Just Our Milly (M. Dodd) a whopping 18lbs.

With a cold by dry week forecast, we will continue to update going reports via the Midlands Area social media channels and the new Going box on midlandspointing.com. Various different ticket types can be purchased from our website at https://staging.midlandspointing.com/tickets/.