THE Vine & Craven Hunt point-to-point is back after a five-year hiatus with a new home at Kingston Blount, near Chinnor, Oxfordshire, on Sunday (1pm).

Previously staged at Barbury Racecourse, which has now closed, the Sandhurst Area fixture hasn't taken place since 2019 due to a combination of reasons including Storm Ciara and the pandemic. However, the organisers are delighted to see the meeting return to the programme and are looking forward to some competitive action with 64 entries received for the six-race card.

It's the first of three fixtures at Kingston Blount this spring with racing also taking place on May 12 and 26. The going on Tuesday was reported to be Good to Soft, although fence four (under the wood) will be omitted due to wet ground.

The Savills Auctions Mixed Open over 2m 5f has attracted 11 entries with Gina Ellis responsible for the top-rated pair, I'm Spellbound and Loughan, who is also engaged at Bitterley on Saturday.

Ellis opted to swerve Lockinge on Monday with I'm Spellbound, and the hint may be worth taking as the eight-year-old was poised to win at Larkhill last time out only to fall at the last.

Enchanted Magic finished fourth that day for Hannah Clarke and could renew rivalry.

"He is a very talented horse," said the Milton Abbas trainer. "He has had a lot of problems hanging violently left in every run. We think we have fixed that, but you don't know until they get on the track. He could be very exciting."

James Henderson plans to run Frisson Collonges, who missed Lockinge in unusual circumstances.

"He was stung by a bee," explained the Buscot Park owner-trainer. "He is all right now, but he wasn't able to do anything for a few days."

Definite Dilemma, second to Kaproyale at Charing for Ella Gillings, before unseating at Higham last Friday, also enters calculations.

Two hunts combine for the opening LT Security Ltd Vine & Craven and VWH Hunt Members, Subscribers & Farmers Race.

Clarke is hoping Wireless Operator and owner-rider Ollie Chamings will be on the same wavelength after having their ups and downs before finishing fourth to For Rita at Badbury Rings.

The trainer said: "They are definitely getting more together, which I think is key. If Ollie listens to Wireless, it is usually fine. We are really hopeful they will go well."

Alan Hill is keeping his fingers crossed that less testing conditions will see Learntalot in a better light under Izzie Marshall after the eight-year-old was well beaten at Brafield-on-the-Green.

The Aston Rowant trainer said: "He ran very well on soft ground under rules, and I just got it into my head that is what we should be doing. He went and won first time out on soft ground, but watching him run last time at Brafield, and talking to Izzie after the race, I think I am barking up the wrong tree."

Henderson plans to run Bloodstone. "He has been disappointing," he said. "He won a Restricted at Lockinge last year and then one or two little things went wrong with him. Hopefully, he will be all right next weekend."

Max Comley, the season's leading trainer, has entered Ryans Fancy, who was fourth to Killinkere at Higham on Friday, and Monday's Paxford winner Burtown. The line-up is completed by George Edgedale's Guilsborough third Kilpin.

Clarke believes Monmouth Hill is ready to do himself justice on his seasonal appearance in the Jockey Club & Retraining of Racehorses Veteran Horse Conditions (Level 2) for Nine Year Olds and Over.

The 11-year-old, who broke his maiden here in 2022, hasn't been seen since scoring at Milborne St Andrew last March.

Clarke said: "He needs better ground, and he had a little injury last season. It has taken time getting him back and back on fire."

Hill will speak to owner Richard Cranfield before deciding whether to let Back Bar take his chance after the 12-year-old finished fourth at Higham on Friday.

The Woodway Farm handler said: "It was quick ground, and he could never really get into the rhythm we would expect. He is A1 and I will talk to the owners."

Top rated is Mitchouka, who was second to All The Ammunition at High Easter for Michael Kehoe, while Pym, who won on the same card for Claire Sherriff, is another leading contender among the nine-strong entry.

Hill is upbeat about Larkhill maiden winner Carryonaway in the Print Concern Restricted.

He said: "We are really looking forward to running because he has run two very nice races for us, so we are excited by him."

Five of the 12 entries won last time out, including Right Hand Of God, who landed a Charing Restricted by six lengths for Clarke.

She said: "It has taken a little bit of time to find the key to him. He won last season and had other opportunities to win but he is not the most straightforward."

Subtle Fortune, who romped home at Bangor-on-Dee for Phil Rowley, Dean Summersby's Kilworthy winner Jet Smart and For One Night Only, who claimed a short-head success at High Easter for Gina Ellis, also have strong claims. 

Tim Underwood is set to be double-handed in the Simpsons Subaru Six Years Old and Over Maiden with Kyler Kane, the mount of Phil York, and Echo Gate, who is to be ridden by Walter Barnett.

He said: "If I had to get on one of them, I would get on Kyler Kane because he is willing. The other horse isn't willing.

"The trouble with Kyler Kane is he is a bit neurotic at the races. We found after he ran at Charing that his blood was all wrong."

Clarke is looking for an improved showing from Timino Road, who has been pulled up on her last two starts under her partner, Charlie Marshall.

The trainer said: "She ran a great race at Charing and was bang there two out before finishing sixth. Charlie thought she would win next time out but she turned out to be in season."

Court Cian, third at Larkhill for Michael Kehoe, and Clare Lloyd Davies's Badbury Rings runner-up Trendy Lady will also have their supporters.

Barnett is due to ride Count Simon for Robert Varnham in the J Passey & Son Ltd Conditions (Level 1) for Novice Riders.

The 10-year-old performed with credit when second to Lusitanien at Charing in early February.

With Monday's Lockinge winner Cusp Of Carabelli set to miss the race, Abigail Henry's For Rita looks a danger, while Methodtothemadness, a winner of four chases and a hurdle for Lucinda Russell, is an interesting recruit for Lee Moulson.

AMATEUR jockey Martin McIntyre celebrated a century of point-to-point winners with victory on Rocky Creed in front of a big crowd at the Old Berkshire Hunt meeting at Lockinge, near Wantage, on Easter Monday.

The 33-year-old rider reached the milestone after completing a double on the day following an earlier success on Douglas Longbottom, with the pair giving trainer Bea Coward her first double.

He took up the running at the second-last on Rocky Creed in the second division of the Charles Russell Speechlys Maiden, and the The Barrow Street Racing Club-owned six-year-old swept clear to pass the post 10 lengths ahead of Modder River and Jack Teal.

Reflecting on reaching the landmark, McIntyre, who is based with David Pipe at Nicholashayne in Somerset, said: "It's very special. I've got to try and catch Phil York - I've only got 303 more to go!

"I had my first winner for Richard Barber at Milborne St Andrew (on Barneys Mate in 2013). It was down to him, Jack Barber and Chris Barber who got me going at the start."

Rocky Creed was bought for £30,000 at Goffs Doncaster Sale last May, and Coward, who trains at Mere in Wiltshire, said: "We got this one at the same time as Douglas. He came third in Ireland in his only race and has just had a few niggly problems, but he has enjoyed this better ground here."

On going described as Good, Good to Soft in places, but riding a little dead, 59 runners lined up in the seven races to provide the Bank Holiday racegoers with some excellent action.

McIntyre believes Douglas Longbottom has a big future after the six-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the Dubarry of Ireland Restricted.

Taking up the running going to the last in the 2m 5f contest, the son of Helmet shot clear to gallop powerfully through the line and record a 10-length verdict over Penniless and Gina Andrews.

McIntyre said: "He did it very well. It was never in doubt. I think he could go to the top. It was a good show and a good training performance by Bea."

Coward, who trains Douglas Longbottom for her aunt Catherine Mitchell, commented: "He has run four times and had two good seconds and two wins. Both seconds were to really good horses - Regatta de Blanc and Wolf Walker. He will probably go to the Restricted Final at Stratford."

Charlie Case was happy to come in for the ride on Deise Aba in the Webbs Builders Merchants Mixed Open with the 11-year-old's regular partner, Zac Baker, going to Paxford where he struck on In Our Dreams to initiate an across-the-card double for trainer Francesca Poste.

Case tracked What A Glance and Murray Dodd on the Hemmings Racing-owned gelding, before collaring that rival on the run-in to win by two lengths and claim the Lockinge Challenge Cup.

The winning rider said: "He does just what he had to do, hence as soon as the other horse came to him, he has gone away again and won with a bit in hand.

"My last winner was at the start of February, so it's nice to get another one and thanks to Zac for going to Paxford. He's also had a winner, so it's worked out for both of us."

Deise Aba was pulled up at Badbury Rings last time out, and Poste, who trains at Ettington, near Stratford, said: "I think he likes better ground. All his form is on soft ground, but I think that pulls them around and their old joints can't cope with it as they used to. He might go for the four-mile race at Cheltenham."

Southfield Theatre won the Mixed Open in 2019 and made light of his 16 years by returning to take the opening Moss Fallon Solicitors Old Berkshire Hunt Members, Subscribers & Farmers Race.

Lily Bradstock, who trains the admirable veteran at nearby Letcombe Bassett, set out to make all the running on the Angela Yeoman-gelding, before shrugging off the challenge of All Loved Up and Hugh Lillingston to score by 10 lengths with last year's winner, Terrierman, and Nick Romain, third.

Bradstock said: "He is just wonderful. He is a sweet character, but a bit mad and just loves being a racehorse. He is a legend and needs to be doing this."

With her charge still showing plenty of enthusiasm, there are no retirement plans. "We will just see," she added. "He does exactly want he wants to do. We may find a ladies' open for him."

The victory also came with a certain poignancy, being a first winner since her father, Mark, passed away last month. "He would have loved to be here," she said. "He loved this horse like we all do."

Veteran Phil York notched a belated first winner of the season when Cusp Of Carabelli sprang a 20-1 surprise in the Luck Greayer Bloodstock Shipping Keeper-Jockey Conditions Race (Level 2).

The 57-year-old rider jumped Tim Underwood's Irish import up alongside the front-running Myth Buster and Bradstock over the last two fences, before his mount pulled out more on the run-in to score by two lengths with the same distance back to Fama Et Gloria in third.

Formerly useful under rules for Co Kilkenny handler David M O'Brien, the 11-year-old had been pulled up on both his starts this season since joining Underwood's Beedon stables, near Newbury.

York said: "To be fair he has deserved to do it because he was so good under rules in Ireland. Tim told me after Charing he had a blood test, and it was all wrong."

Underwood, who collected the George Collier Challenge Cup once again after previous successes with Tempelpirate (twice), Timmie Roe and Skipthecuddles, was registering just his second winner of the campaign.

"Everything I have run this season has been pulled up," he said. "I have had a virus in the yard, and it has affected the horses.

"I ride him work every day and I just knew he had started to come back to himself. He was bought through Martin Oliver."

Rookie rider Tom Hutsby posted his third winner with a runaway victory on Shoal Bay for his trainer-father, Fred, in the Bear at Wantage (Arkell's Brewery) Conditions Race (Level 2).

The 16-year-old had opened his account on the Marcine Marshall-owned gelding at Ampton last month, and the combination followed up in style, coming home 30 lengths clear of A Jet of Our Own and Fred Philipson-Stow.

Tom said: "He winged the cross-fence and that put me in the lead. I took it from there. He was bowling along and galloping."

Fred, who trains at Wellesbourne in Warwickshire, added: "He did it well and is a class horse on his day."

The trainer and owner had combined to take the open with Zee Man 12 months ago, and Marshall commented: "Fred, who trains him, is amazing. We are just absolutely thrilled. He looked a picture, and I am so excited."

Elliott England got off the mark for the season on just his second ride of the campaign with victory on Sforza Castle for his boss Ben Pauling in the first division of the Charles Russell Speechlys Maiden - the first time it had been split since 2013.

The six-year-old son of Milan, owned by the Naunton trainer's wife, Sophie, took up the running five from home and had matters in hand when his nearest pursuer, O'Halloran's Castle, unseated at the last, leaving the staying-on Windgap Hill and York to take second, two lengths adrift.

England said: "It is good to nick one like that for my boss. That's my first winner for him."

Assistant trainer Tom David, representing Pauling, said of the winner: "Barry Geraghty sourced him a few years ago and he was placed in maiden hurdles. This is his game. He will win a few point-to-points."

The meeting was preceded by two pony races, sponsored by Pinewood School, with brothers Oliver and Harry Vigors, 12 and 14 respectively, from Aldbourne, near Marlborough, making it a family double with wins on Little Anne and Miss Millfield.

The Easter Saturday point-to-point on 30^th March at the historic Kimble course, where racing has taken place for over 100 years and which is the only point-to-point track in Britain to retain a water jump, is always one of the most popular in the country with racegoers and connections alike. Meeting Chairman Edward Collins confirmed on Monday morning prior to entries closing that the going is Good to Soft, Soft in places. The meeting features six point-to-point races – each with a minimum of £650 total prize money – with a parade of hounds after the third. The first race is at 1.30pm and 81 entries have been received.

Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill and his son Joe have a fine record at one of their local tracks and have nine horses entered on Saturday, most of which are expected to run, including Polydora in the 5G Comms Mixed Open Race, the centrepiece of the card with £1,100 total prize money and run over two-and-a-half miles, that has 13 entries.

Although the distance is expected to suit, Polydora will have his work cut out against a classy field headed by multiple winner Caryto Des Brosses – three times runner-up at the Cheltenham Evening Hunter Chase meeting, including last season. Maxine Filby’s Lift Me Up took a Newbury Hunter Chase last year and is second best on ratings, but his trainer was non-committal, telling me, “He’s entered at other meetings and won’t want it too soft, so we’ll look at the weather forecast. I’m not sure if two-and-a-half miles will be too quick for him.” Janika is a useful type but is yet to show his best form this season, while the same applies to Gina Ellis’ Not That Fuisse.

Gina– who has taken over training of the pointers now husband Tom holds a Rules licence, aiming Latenightpass for the Grand National – got off to a great start at the weekend with a Garthorpe treble and runs Not That Fuisse for owner-rider Kate Gowing. She admitted, “We haven’t found the key to him yet. His form last year was strong, but he was too keen first time out, then we may have run him too quickly.”

Fred Hutsby’s Gallyhill – one of four mounts on the day for his 16-year-old son Tom – has been disappointing this season, by his trainer’s own admission. Fred, however, is hopeful of a good run, saying, “He gives me a good feel at home and has been schooling well. I’ll put cheekpieces on him,” while Station Yard Racing’s Russian Diamond – bought from Shark Hanlon for their novice riders to have fun with – is likely to be a first ride for Cerys Sheehy.

Alan Hill plans to saddle the useful Coolagh Park in the 15-entry Hildreth’s Garden Centre Conditions Race, for horses aged ten and over, that opens the card. “He definitely runs,” Alan told me. “He won the Restricted here last year in a fast time, so likes the course. If he wins, we may consider going for the Jockey Club/Retraining of Racehorses leading veteran horse award.”

Useful though Coolagh Park is, three horses have higher Pointerform ratings than him – Romain De Senam, who was rated in the 140s under rules and Fred Hutsby’s Hunter Chase winner Drake’s Well, both of whom fell in a Hunter Chase on their reappearance from a season’s absence, and Barry Denvir’s Golan Fortune who won impressively (and well-backed) on his recent pointing debut at Brafield-on-the-Green. Others to consider on ratings are Station Yard Racing’s Horseheath winner Muckamore and Thunderstruck

Fred said of Drake’s Well, “He was still going well when he tipped up at Leicester and – while that was over two miles – he won’t mind the longer trip. The ground will suit him.” “I haven’t studied the race in detail,” admitted Station Yard Racing’s Charlie Poste, “But at first glance it looks like an OK option for Muckamore. He’s getting on well with (rider) Harry Arkwright and the track will suit, so they’ll have every chance.”

Richardsons Chartered Accountants sponsor the Novice Riders race and have been rewarded with 12 entries. The best form this season has been shown by Red Maple, three times runner-up since winning on his seasonal debut and the potential mount of promising Cian Murphy, dual second Monkey Puzzle and Champagne Glory, first and second on his two starts. Phillippa Taylor’s Elmdale may have a lower rating, but has won his last two races, stepping up from Maiden company to provide George Case with a first winner last weekend. Port of Mars is improving, and the ex-Kim Bailey Mot Pour Mot is an interesting recruit from rules for Fred Hutsby, who laughed, “His French form was really good, but his English form is terrible! He goes well at home and could be anything. He’s owned by John and Marcine Marshall, who are great supporters of the yard.”

Charlie Poste said of Right To Reply, “We’ve known (owner-rider) Emma Freeman for a while as she comes to us for jockey coaching and circuit training. He ran nicely at Larkhill on his first start for us and is a spring horse.”

Alan Hill has two potential runners in the Waverton Investment Management Ltd Restricted Race, which has 18 entries, the highest of the day. “Paul Manate runs,” he stated. “He had to jump a grade to Intermediate at Horseheath last time as we wanted to go back to the scene of his Maiden win, and the winner has gone in again since, so the form looks good. Highland Glory may also take her place for the locally based Sunday Night Partnership, but we also have the option of the Members for her.”

Allowing previous winners in Restricted company to run in one again with a 5lb penalty has transformed the category this season and led to competitive racing. This contest looks no exception, and it is easy to give chances to over half the field. Back It Up was promising last year and is bound to come on for his seasonal debut, the wonderfully named Chabichou Dupoitou’s Larkhill second for Robert Waley-Cohen is the best form on display in 2024 and Dondiam won a similar event on his final pointing start last season. Largy Pearl was impressive in breaking his duck last time out, likewise Maxine Filby’s Look At Mee after her promising debut. Lunar Contact and Penniless have shown promise but have yet to display their best form this season, while Mister Splash went into my notebook when winning at High Easter in a fast time last year and was only just touched off earlier in the month. Quickcharge ran well on his reappearance against more experienced horses and Ultra Viers is ultra-consistent and has twice been second in Hunter Chases.

Maxine confirmed Look At Mee an intended runner, saying, “She’s come out of Guilsborough well. It gave her confidence and, while we’re still learning with her, she’s constantly surprising us. Jack or Gina (Andrews) will ride.” The other sibling is likely to ride the Gina-trained Lunar Contact who, according to his handler, “Needed the run first time and probably wants better ground, which is why you haven’t seen him since Cocklebarrow.” Asked if the new trainer would make a difference, she laughed, “Definitely not!”

The Elliott of London Maiden Race has attracted 17 entries. Alan Hill plans to run both Barry Scott and son Joe’s Kingston Blount, saying of the pair, “Harry’s on Barry! (the jockey is Harry Myddleton). He didn’t act on the ground at Bangor-on-Dee, and we may put headgear on him, as he’s worked well in it at home. Kingston Blount hasn’t run since Badbury Rings in November. We’ve given him time since then and hope he’s matured and benefited from his debut. Izzie Marshall will ride.”

As far as Maidens go, this one looks extremely competitive. Four of the entries – Atlantic Fleet, Fred Hutsby’s Bellshazzar, Gina Ellis’ Creapapy and Premier Fantasy – have all been runner-up in this company this season, Atlantic Fleet only beaten a short-head last time (Whwatwasigoingtosay not far behind in third) and Premier Fantasy behind a subsequent winner. Add to that two splendidly named newcomers from top stables – David Kemp’s Hopping Mad Wife and Gina Ellis’ Schiapars Magern – and it’s hard to predict a winner.

“He’s a lovely horse – big, strong and uncomplicated,” confirmed Fred of Belshazzar. “He hated the soft ground at Guilsborough and seems really well.” Charlie Poste expressed a preference for this race of Power Of The Sea’s weekend entries admitting, “We thought the world of him before his Larkhill debut, but he screamed all the way there and looked like he’d never had a saddle on him! We like him at home – although he needs to take a step forward – and he could end up a good horse under rules.” Plans are fluid for the three Ellis entries, with Schiapars Magern the most likely to take her chance.

Another entry of interest is Tim Underwood's Kedg West, a half-brother to Grand National fancy Mahler Mission (and, more pertinently to pointing fans, to Tim's prolific but ill-fated Timmie Roe). He has been leased for the day by meeting sponsors Waverton and will run in their green and white colours.

The card closes with the Fantham Family Members Race, for horses qualified with a Kimblewick certificate and this year opened to those from the Berks & Bucks and Oakley too. Six have been entered, of which four are trained by Alan Hill, who has taken the last nine runnings of this race here and at neighbouring Kingston Blount. Last year’s victor was Normofthenorth and Alan admitted, “I hope he’ll be able to defend his crown.”

The other two are both Oakley-qualified – the aforementioned Golan Fortune for Barry Denvir and Gina Ellis’ All Is True, who went through the grades last year but needs to build on this season’s form to date. He is also entered at Higham and Gina admitted, “I need to speak to the owner before making a decision.”

Before the point-to-point racing, the meeting opens with an Open pony race sponsored by Ashley Wilde Soft Furnishings.

Admission is £15 per person on the day, with under 17s free. Advance tickets are available for £13 until Tuesday 26^th March via the Kimblewick Races website here. Most of the Premium Reserved parking is already sold out, but fourth row parking is available at £20, also at the Kimblewick Races website. This does not include admission.

For entertainment, there is face painting for children from 11.00 and a family-friendly dog show with eight classes from 12.00. These can also be purchased in advance via the website.

WITH its reputation for fast-draining ground coming on the back of an exceptionally wet winter, the Old Berkshire Hunt point-to-point has been rewarded with the biggest entry of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend for its meeting at Lockinge, near Wantage, on Monday (2pm).

Trainers eager to run their horses on a sounder surface have been attracted to the course's chalk-based old downland turf with the six races boasting 112 entries. The forecast is unsettled, but the going was described as Good on Monday, increasing hopes that there will be plenty of runners to thrill what is traditionally a bumper crowd.

Among those handlers keen to see less testing conditions is Gina Ellis, whose first three runners between the flags since taking over the licence from her husband, Tom, produced a treble at Garthorpe on Saturday.

She is set to rely on Champagne Noir, a winner at Ampton last time out under Ellie Holder, in the Webbs Builders Merchants Mixed Open, which carries prize money of £1,000 with £450 to the winner plus the Lockinge Challenge Cup. "He looks a strong stayer and has been waiting for the better ground, so hopefully he will get that there," said Ellis, who is based at Marton, near Rugby.

Fellow Warwickshire trainer Fred Hutsby landed this contest 12 months ago with Zee Man, and bids to repeat the dose with Drop Him In, a fine third behind Gaboriot and Windsor Avenue in a Catterick hunters' chase earlier this month. "He is a consistent little horse," said the Wellesbourne handler. "He ran well on ground he hated and surprised me. I am hoping he will run a big race."

Francesca and Charlie Poste will weigh up the options for Deise Aba, a two-time winner this season for their Ettington yard, near Stratford, before deciding whether to run here or at Maisemore Park on Sunday. Charlie commented: "For all that he won on very slow ground under rules we are coming round to the idea he needs nicer ground, so Lockinge could be a good fit for him."

Also, among the 20-strong line-up is Jack Teal's Camdonian, who is unbeaten in five starts between the flags, and Tara Storm, who has the option of tackling the Luck Greayer Bloodstock Shipping Keeper-Jockey Conditions Race (Level 2).

Eve Hobbs's eight-year-old hasn't been out of the first two in eight starts, finding the smart Fier Jaguen five-and-a-half lengths too good at Didmarton last time out.

Lily Bradstock, from nearby Letcombe Bassett, has entered Myth Buster, who was fourth to Itacare at Milborne St Andrew last time, here and in the feature race, together with Southfield Theatre.

Fama Et Gloria, a winner at Didmarton for Michael and Robert Hawker, also has strong claims along with Sarah Ashby's Charing runner-up Monkey Puzzle and John Smith-Maxwell's High Easter third Ecco.

Southfield Theatre is the stand-out entry in the Moss Fallon Solicitors Old Berkshire Hunt Members, Subscribers & Farmers Race.

Now 16, Bradstock's admirable veteran has won 18 of his 30 starts between the flags and never been out the first three. He may not be the force of old but can still be expected to serve it up to his younger rivals.

Champagne corks were popping for Nick and Rebecca Romain, from Ardington, after Terrierman gave them their first winner when taking this prize by 30 lengths last year. The 10-year-old is back to defend his crown but doesn't arrive in such good form this time.

Buscot Park-based James Henderson plans to run Frisson Collonges, second in conditions races at this meeting for the last two years, as the nine-year-old bids to make it third time lucky.

All Loved Up, trained by Olive Nicholls at Kingston Lisle, gave Hugh Lillingston a winner on his first ride with victory at Larkhill on Saturday, and could attempt to follow up.

Ellis is hopeful better ground can help I'm Spellbound, who is also entered at Thorpe Lodge, make amends for a last-fence fall at Larkhill in the Bear at Wantage (Arkell's Brewery) Conditions Race (Level 2).

She said: "He doesn't want the ground too soft, so Lockinge would probably be better than Thorpe. He was 10 lengths clear going to the last. He has recovered well. He is a pretty good horse, but things have not worked out for him yet."

Hutsby could run Ampton winner Shoal Bay, although he believes the 11-year-old may be up against it. "He is a classy old horse, but he will probably struggle in this sort of race," he said. "He probably wants dropping back into a novice riders' race, but there are not enough about."

Jacqueline O'Neill's The Composeur, a winner at Cocklebarrow before finishing fifth on soft ground at Garthorpe, should appreciate the return to a sounder surface, while Nicky Sheppard's A Jet Of Our Own is another with claims.

Ellis also believes Creapapy will appreciate the prevailing going in the Charles Russell Speechlys Maiden.

She said: "He had a very good debut run at Ampton and was then disappointing at Garthorpe where the going was probably too soft. He then ran okay at Larkhill without setting the world alight. Again, he probably likes nicer ground."

Hutsby took this contest last year with Joe Kidd and this time runs Jepsone, who has been pulled up in both his starts between the flags.

"He shows plenty at home but has been disappointing when he has run," he said. "He has been too gassy and does a little bit too much early on. We will change how we ride him."

Sheppard's consistent Money From America looks a leading contender along with the Postes' Jullou de Grissay, who has the option of going to Paxford.

Charlie commented: "He is still a bit of a frame, but he has a future in him, and nice spring ground should help him. He will be winning before too long. Hopefully, it is this weekend."

Henderson, who will be looking to Islo to step up here on his third to Lavorante at Garthorpe, will assess Bloodstone before deciding whether to let the gelding bid for a second successive win in the Dubarry of Ireland Restricted.

The nine-year-old stormed home by eight lengths in the 2m 5f contest last year but has been pulled up three times since. "If Bloodstone is right, he will run with a penalty for winning it last year," said the Buscot Park owner-trainer.

Gill Anderson is leaning towards running her Cocklebarrow second Quickcharge here rather than at Kimble, saying: "I think he's got the pace for the 2m 5f trip and he'll be suited by the better ground there."

Bea Coward's Larkhill winner Douglas Longbottom and Thatshalfthebattle, who was second at Charlton Horethorne for Jo Priest, look the other main contenders.

TOM Ellis brought the curtain down in style on his record-breaking point-to-point training career when Anariza gave him a winner with his last runner at the Oakley Hunt meeting at Brafield-on-the-Green, near Northampton.

The five-time champion is set to take out a full trainer's licence with Latenightpass on course to be his first runner under rules in the Randox Grand National at Aintree on April 13 with his wife, Gina Andrews, on board.

And Anariza ensured he went out on a high note between the flags with a smooth success under Jack Andrews in the JRL Group Four and Five Years Old Point-to-Point Flat Race on Sunday.

Owner-breeder Sarah Faulks's four-year-old filly cruised into the lead in the two-mile contest and when Andrews let out an inch of rein, she shot clear to pass the post eight lengths ahead of Zloty and Dale Peters.

Anariza was Ellis's 293rd point-to-point success, and he said: "That's my last point-to-point winner. It's a tad bit emotional and it's really nice to sign off with a win.

"Pointing has taught me everything I know. I started off riding and progressed into training. I have made a lot of mistakes and learnt a lot from it. I hope it will stand me in good stead for the next chapter.

"Gina will take over the point-to-pointers we have left. My focus is very much on getting Latenightpass ready for Aintree. I am back to school for my last trainer's module and hopefully I will have my licence through by the end of the week.

"I've had five championships on the trot. I broke the record for the most winners in a season and broke it again the next season. To have a horse like Latenightpass in the greatest race in the world is a small part of a massive fairytale."

Ellis, who is based at Marton, near Rugby, added of Anariza: "She is a very smart filly. This one is not for sale. This one will go into training. If the ground stayed right, we could go for an Aintree bumper with her in April or the one at Stratford."

The organisers did a terrific job to get the rearranged fixture on following the recent rain, which left the going soft, heavy in places, with 25 runners lining up in the six races.

Barry Denvir produced a fine training performance to record his first winner as Golan Fortune returned from an 871-day absence to land a gamble in the Eight-Year-Olds and Over Conditions Race (Level 3), sponsored by Lifestyle Gates.

Formerly smart under rules for Phil Middleton, the 12-year-old was retired after being pulled up with an irregular heartbeat at Stratford in October 2021.

But, after being given to Simon Paynter to go hunting, the gelding went back into training in January with Denvir, who is based at Great Rollright, near Chipping Norton.

Backed down from 3-1 to evens joint favourite in this three-runner affair, Toby McCain-Mitchell's mount showed he retained all his old enthusiasm, taking it up from Touch Tight and Phil York after the fifth-last before holding off that rival's renewed challenge to score by four lengths.

Denvir, who hails from Downpatrick and is assistant to Richard Phillips, said: "This race was always the plan with Simon being a master of the Oakley Hunt. He was a very good horse in his day, and we fancied him today even after two years off the track. Good horses train themselves and we are delighted with him.

"What I am most delighted about, though, is that it is St Patrick's Day. I had flights to go back home, but when this was rescheduled, I cancelled them."

Only two runners went to post for the Oakley Mixed Open, sponsored by Brian Currie (Milton Keynes Ltd), but it produced a thrilling finish with Ragnar Lodbrok getting up in the dying strides to pip Master Templar by a short head and repeat last year's success.

Alex Chadwick on the winner tracked Master Templar and Gina Andrews, who still led by a length and a half at the last where Ragnar Lodbrok made a mistake.

But with Chadwick bringing Newmarket trainer Jenny Owen's nine-year-old wide on the run-in, his mount found more to snatch the spoils.

Ragnar Lodbrok had won at Guilsborough just seven days earlier for The Whiskey & Water Partnership consisting of John Sharp, David Docker, Robin Vestey, Alice Vaughan-Jones and Gerald Bailey, who said: "We were not exactly sure whether that had left a mark, but he has a bit of class. He is no mug, but he always keeps a little bit to himself.

"We might run him at Easter somewhere and then have a go at the Cheltenham hunter chase meeting."

Chadwick, who was recording his 18th winner of the season, said: "He is a very talented monkey. I thought I had won by a head. If I had jumped the last well, I would have won by further."

Newmarket owner-trainer John Wright's patience with Orion D'Aubrelle was rewarded with victory in the PPORA Club Members Conditions Race (Level 3) for Novice Riders, sponsored by Bedfordshire NFU Mutual.

Running for the first time since picking up a minor tendon injury at Higham last April, the 11-year-old, ridden by Josh Parker, joined Some Operator and Daisy White at the fourth-last before drawing clear for a 10-lengths success.

Wright said: "I got him from Tattersalls for £2000. He had lost his way in Ireland where he had been running in good races and was a 135-rated horse with Willie Mullins before joining Shark Hanlon. I took my time with him, and we have ended back here with a winner."

It was a fourth success for Parker, who works for James Owen. He said: "I went through a wing yesterday, so it's great to get a winner under my belt."

Sawtry trainer-rider Dale Peters believes Cash Or Card has a big future after the Irish import made it two wins from as many starts in this country with an easy success in the three-runner Restricted, sponsored by Hatters.

Winner of a Sheriff Hutton maiden in January, the six-year-old cantered up alongside Ultra Viers and George Case, before coasting home by 15 lengths.

Peters commented: "I have been waiting for better ground, but it was time to run again, and he was impressive. I think he will be even better on better ground. He has the potential to go to the top if we have a lot of luck on our side."

The gelding is owned by the This That & The Others Partnership made up of Paul and Andrew Walpole, Andrew West and Georgie and Beryl Close, who said: "He jumped like a dream. He is a very special horse. I think he could go a long way."

Owner-trainer Phillippa Taylor was delighted to see Elmdale finally open his account with a runaway triumph in the Oakley Maiden, sponsored by Phipps Henson.

Revelling in the testing conditions, the 10-year-old grey took up the running under Zac Baker after a circuit and gradually drew clear of his rivals to come home 30 lengths clear of Rockhamton and Patsy Page.

Taylor, who trains at Fringford, near Bicester, said: "We bought him four seasons ago off Nigel Twiston-Davies for my daughter, Phoebe, to ride. She has just had a baby, so Zac rode him."

Baker added:  "I couldn't believe I was nearly a fence clear when I looked through my legs. He is no showstopper, but he keeps going."

The meeting was preceded by two pony races with Camilla Froggatt, 11, from Great Rissington, near Stow-on-the-Wold, taking the One Fat Hen 138cm contest by four lengths on Warmwell Lizzie.

Harry Vigors, 14, from Aldbourne, near Marlborough, then claimed the Barton Petroleum 148cm Race aboard 10-lengths winner Miss Millfield.