THE curtain came down on the Wessex Area Point to Point at the Weston & Banwell and West Somerset Vale meeting at Cothelstone.

Always popular with local racegoers and participants, the decent sized crowd were treated to some good racing with a riding double for Martin McIntyre, veteran Shantou Flyer showing age is no problem and a pulsating finish to the Ladies Open.

Jockey Izzie Marshall has thrown down the gauntlet to long time Ladies Champion, Gina Andrews and another winner on Back Bar pushed her two clear.  Sent off even money favourite, Izzie dictated for much of the way taking the fresh ground on the inner. L’Air du Vent under Megan Bevan, however tried to make life hard for her and when Sizing Cusimano joined in there were three in line over the second last with all to play for.

Shantou Flyer has been a popular sight on Wessex courses over the past 6 seasons and although reaching the twilight of his career, still had enough class to fend off the challenge of the tough and consistent Dr Rhythm. Both horses had won last time out at South Hill with the winner giving young Billy Broomfield the second winner of his career.

Another long-time favourite, Posh Totty, was present in the form of her son, Posh Dude and he confirmed the promise of his debut run in a bumper at Milborne St Andrew when he took the second division of the maiden under Will Biddick for thrilled owner-breeder Jeremy Barber and a relieved trainer Harry Ryall.

The opening Conditions race looked quite competitive on paper and so it proved with a whole host of horses in with a chance with half a mile to run. Eventually it was the Flat-bred Enchanted Magic who took the spoils under Maryland Hunt Cup winning rider, Charlie Marshall. 

The Novice Riders race went to Stadmallen who had been unlucky last time at South Hill when crashing out through the wing of a fence under trainer/jockey Heidi Stevens. With Henry Moore taking the reins this time, Stadmallen kicked clear to record a 4 length success.

The final two races were won by jockey Martin “Fly” McIntyre who took the Restricted on Rocky Creed for trainer Bea Coward and the Maiden Conditions on Born in the West for Jazmin Hosegood.  Rocky Creed looks a nice type and should progress further following his earlier 12 length romp at Lockinge.

Purchased by Mel Smith Bloodstock at Doncaster Sales after one run in Ireland, Bea explained “He’s such a genuine horse.  He probably found the shorter trip at Larkhill too quick for him then he wasn’t right when we took him back there. But he made amends at Lockinge and is a very exciting horse for the Barrow Racing Club!”