By Mike Drowne
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Upcott Cross hosted a six-race card on Sunday. Clerk of the course, John Heard and the Eggesford team did a fantastic job of watering as always and provided lovely ground; however, unfortunately were only rewarded with 25 runners across the whole day.
Nonetheless, the races were not without drama.
Four went to post for the opening race on the day, the Goffs four- and Five-year-old Maiden, and it proved to be an eventful contest.
Get To The Point crashed out at the first fence and impeded Sincerly Me in the process.
Richforadaay led the remaining runners until the top bend on the final circuit and left the two unraced runners, Winter Flight and Sincerly Me to fight it out.
Both horses were matching strides, and both had a look at the second last flight, at which Winter Flight came down. Richforadaay was well behind and pulled up, which left Sincerly Me to come home alone, at odds of 4-1 for Josh Newman, who both rode and trained the filly.
Speaking after the race, Josh said, “She was very green. She was good at first because that horse fell right in front of me. Her jumping got better as the race went on.
“Jumping two out I was in tight and Winter Flight was to and he just knuckled on landing. It definitely wasn’t over before that.”
Ashgrove and Rangemoor Kitchens Intermediate
Next up was The Ashgrove and Rangemoor Kitchens Intermediate, and four runners lined up once again. 5-1 shot Honest Opinion jumped off out in front and said catch me if you can and that they couldn’t.
Up Killoughey came with a late rattle under Rian Corcoran and pushed Honest Opinion all the way the line but couldn’t overturn the 11-year-old, who scored by 3/4 of a length.
Lucy Brown was making a rare voyage from Scotland to the Devon and Cornwall point-to-point circuit and it proved to be a successful journey, with the 24-year-old partnering the Emma Summersby-trained gelding.
A beaming Lucy said; “It was a 15-hour round trip so it was worth it. She was unreal, she got stronger and stronger as I went round, I couldn’t really take a pull. I knew she stayed all day, but I thought they would come whizzing by me!”
Simpkin Edwards Eggesford Champion Mixed Open
The third race was the Simpkin Edwards Eggesford Champion Mixed Open. Three runners were due to contest the race, but with Another Emotion standing still at the start, it left Hell Red and Quintin’s Man to renew their rivalry.
The pair had finished first and second in the race last year, with Hell Red coming out on top. He was sent off favourite to oblige once more, but it was Quintin’s Man who gained redemption, winning by six lengths.
John Heard was wearing two hats due to being both Clerk of the course and trainer of Quintin’s Man as well as owner of the course, and he said; “He seems to be a different horse than last year. He was off the bridal last year, and today he was pricking his ears and swinging.
“He had a lung infection last season, but we treated It and since then he seems to have been in much better form. We will aim to come back here in two weeks.”
Waii Inn Maiden Race
Race four was the Waii Inn Maiden Race and it saw an impressive performance from the ex-French chaser, Jeu Gagnant, 11-10 favourite, who crossed the line 30 lengths in front of his nearest pursuer, which was the Bradley Gibbs trained, Korhogo du Benco.
This was certainly a winner for the ladies, Anna Johnston partnering the 6-year-old for The Here Come The Girls Partnership.
Winning trainer, Les Jefford said; “He ran a super race last time, he was a bit fresh and a bit well and did a bit too much but the race turned out perfect today, there was a nice strong pace and he settled. Anna is great, she is improving all the time and getting lots of experience.
“I’m hoping the girls can have some fun with him, they have been patient with him. They’re a good bunch and most of the girls have been involved for many years.”
C&R Construction Restricted race
The C&R Construction Restricted race saw the biggest field of the day, with six runners.
5-4 favourite, Talimar Pearl defied a 5lb penalty for already having won a Restricted and crossed the line six lengths clear of Metmeatthepillar.
Talimar Pearl has had a busy campaign running six times and winning three, and will have earned his summer break.
This marked a treble on the day for Josh Newman, who was fighting back in the champion jockey title race, after main rival James King fired in a four-timer on Saturday at Holnicote. The Scores are now 48 wins to James and 43 to Josh.
Totnes and Bridgetown Races Company – Grass Roots Conditions Race.
The final race on the card was the Totnes and Bridgetown Races Company – Grass Roots Conditions Race. 16-year-old Louis Burke was having his second ever ride and partnered 13-year-old Golden Poet, trained by his father, Kieran.
Hannah Morgon teamed up with another 13-year-old in Paloma Blue. However, it was the much younger legs of the 4-6 favourite Jet Smart at 7 years of age that triumphed by 15 lengths from Golden Poet.
In doing so Jet Smart completed a memorable visit to Devon for jockey Lucy Brown; who with Emma Summersby, enjoyed a double on the day.
Afterwards, Lucy said; “He is probably the best horse I have sat on, it was pure class. I got a nice lead and I didn’t need to move on him, it was easy. His jumping was unreal, he proper came out of my hands.” That was Lucy’s 14th career win and don’t be surprised to see her venture down once again, although she will be doing well to match this day.
Paloma Blue is now off to pastures new with the curtain coming down on his racing career and will receive a happy retirement.
