The South Tetcott Hunt will welcome crowds to Upcott Cross this Bank Holiday weekend for their sole point-to-point fixture of the season. Ponies will head up the action on Monday, May 29 from 12.30pm, with two hotly-contested races sponsored by Cornish Tractors.
More than 70 entries have been received for the following six-race card, due to come under starters’ orders at 2pm. Watering has been taking place at the Halwill Junction course near Okehampton, since Tuesday to ensure good racing ground.
Kicking off the jumps action will be the Totnes and Bridgetown Races Company Grassroots Series Conditions which could be Southfield Harvest (Will Biddick) win again under up and coming jockey Lawrence Jordan, flying the flag for well-known breeder and owner, Angela Yeoman. Ping Pong Paddy (Chris Barber) looked smart when winning at Cothelstone and then Chilfrome, whilst Minimalistic (Sue Darke) is another who may feature highly in the betting after winning two conditions races this season - the latest at Flete Park last month.
In the Restricted, sponsored by Giffords Chartered Accountants, Melvyn (Dean Summersby) is the highest rated and recently finished six lengths third at Bratton Down under Darren Edwards. Ideal Vert (Chris Barber) could be the one to take him on after an impressive 19-length win at Chilfrome under Will Biddick.
The Simpkins Edwards Mixed Open has attracted 18 top class entries, the most notable being Paloma Blue (Josh Newman) who stands out with five wins this season including an open hunter chase at Cheltenham earlier this month. Ridden that day by Josh, the trainer come jockey also has the option to partner Sixteen Letters - a winner at Vauterhill and second at Cothelstone last time out - or Ed The Red (Chloe Newman), having clocked up an impressive six wins so far during the 2022-23 campaign.
Following this will be the Mixed Open for Novice Riders, sponsored by Dunbia, and those catching the eye include Commanche Red (Jenny Gordon) for Molly Landau to ride; Ed The Red (Chloe Newman) if not running in the previous Mixed Open; and Muckamore (Fran Poste) who is the highest rated but would need to improve on his fourth at the Dingley meeting earlier this month.
In the PRJ Engineering Maiden Conditions, Ribo A Rep (Ed Walker) with Chloe Emsley in the plate could go well here and has the added benefit of a mares’ weight allowance. Norman Abu (Nikki Frost) looks an interesting contender, having finished second at Flete Park under Barnaby Treneer. Millstone (Teresa Clark) has clocked up four seconds this season, the latest at Cothelstone behind Uncle Frankel, and is sure to be well supported in the betting.
Closing the day’s card will be the FC Cleaning Systems Maiden over the shorter trip of two miles and four furlongs, and of the 15 entries those looking progressive include Summerleaze (Jill Dennis), having finished second on three ocassions; Fire Squadron (Helen Bament), third by five lengths in his latest run at South Hill; Ianthus Mome (Stuart Sampson), second at Chilfrome last month under George Hiscock; and Honorary Colonel (Michael Watson), finishing five lengths back in third at Flete Park under jockey Callum Pritchard.
Upcott Cross (EX21 5AE) is located two miles south of Halwill Junction off the A3079. Entry is £15 per person which includes a race card, with under sixteens entering free. Facilities include hot and cold refreshments, a bar, bookmakers and tradestands. Dogs on leads are welcome.
