Point-to-Point 2026: Cherrybrook hosts six-race card across the Easter Weekend

By Mike Drowne

The Devon and Cornwall area staged two race days over the Easter weekend. The first of which was at Cherrybrook on Saturday, with the racecourse that lies on the edge of Dartmoor hosting six races.

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Spooners and West Dartmoor Supporters Maiden

Up first was the Spooners and West Dartmoor Supporters Maiden.

Monderra led them along under Jo Supple, but it was Slide Rule who came through to take the lead at the third last, to run out decisive winner for trainer Dani Kenealy.

This was a memorable winner for the Shaw family, with James partnering the 7-year-old for his mum and dad, who were having their first winner.

Speaking after the race, James said: “He can be a bit keen, he’s still quite inexperienced, so it worked out a treat to get a lead until three out, when I made a move and got a good jump.

“He wasn’t overly great at the last two fences, but he was always going. He’s a nice horse.

“He was rated 105 under rules and he should do well Pointing.”

GSP Solutions Owners & Trainers Restricted Race

James Shaw was seeking a quick-fire double. Partnering the 11-4 shot, Lightning Legs in the GSP Solutions Owners & Trainers Restricted Race.

This was the biggest field of the day with seven going to post; however, only two horses finished as one by one the field depleted, with Dollanstown (1-3F) producing a mighty performance to win by a distance, from Do Whatever.

Josh Newman was doing the steering for old rival, Will Biddick, who is enjoying a fruitful time as a trainer.

The former eight-time Champion jockey hung up his boots at Christmas after a glittering career.

He is now succeeded in the training ranks and recently sent out five winners at Badbury Rings.

After jokingly saying that his horses have improved a lot with a change of rider, he went on to say: “He’s been a consistent horse all year.

“He’s had three seconds and two wins. It was a big win in a competitive race at Badbury Rings; he was headed and had to fight back.

“We thought he would suit Maisemore and he just ran into a good one of Chris Barbers.”

Reflecting on his recent success as a trainer and the transition from being a jockey, Biddick said: “I love being competitive.

“I was very competitive in the saddle and now were fortunate to have some very nice and loyal owners, with lovely horses in the yard and their performances are competitive.

“To me, I want to be fighting out a finish, whether I’m riding them or training them. Josh has been a friend for a long time, so the fact that I can reward him is a bonus.”

Totnes & Bridgetown Races Company Conditions Race

The third race of the day was the Totnes & Bridgetown Races Company Conditions Race. Jeu Gagnant was well supported to make it three wins in a row, but found Talimar Pearl the better.

Josh Newman was this time doing the training and gave Hannah Morgan the leg up. Talimar Pearl took it up at the fourth last and Hannah kicked on to go clear.

The favourite rallied and chased the leader from the last to the line, but couldn’t close the gap. Hannah, who was having her ninth career win, said: “We were going plenty steady enough to start with.

“Once I was in front, kicking for home, he was lapping it up. I’m really grateful for Josh and David Churches for giving me the opportunity and believing in me.”

Simple Solar Ltd Mixed Open Race

Next up was the Simple Solar Ltd Mixed Open Race. It was a shame that the feature race of the day only drew three runners.

Histrionic and prolific winner, Jet Smart were the even money joint favourites. Teescomponentsfly was the 9-1 outsider and, like his odds suggested, never threatened.

Jo Supple bounced out on Jet Smart and dictated from the front. Histrionic made his challenge going to two out, and only a length separated the pair.

A good jump from Jet Smart at the last fence secured the 8-year-old’s ninth Point To Point win.

Talking after the race, Jo said: “He was able to do what he was comfortable doing and dictate up until the far fence.

“I gave him a little squeeze and I thought there’s plenty there, were just going to have [to] kick and go.

“He jumps like a bunny and is very game. We came back in and he wanted to go again.”

Jo was off home for her usual celebratory meal, of champagne and Pizza with Husband Gerry.

TRW Engineering Conditions

Four lined up for the TRW Engineering Conditions race, once again, it developed into a duel.

Hidden Heroics and young Harry Neale have enjoyed a great partnership this season, racking up three wins together.

The pair, as usual, jumped off in front and stayed there until Holiday Fund took over at two out.

Both horses looked tired jumping the last, but Harry got another rally out of his mount and challenged up the running, but Holiday Fund found more to win by two and a half lengths.

Winning trainer and jockey, Josh Newman said: “Harry was always travelling better up the hill than me and with a circuit to go, I wasn’t travelling.

“But then, heading to the ditch, I was travelling better than him. I thought if I could hold onto his coattails and come with one run, I’d get him.”

Get Off Your Phone had run well the weekend prior and claimed the prize money despite having to break a sweat.