JOHN Dawson was the jockey and trainer in form at the Hurworth Point-to-Point riding and training a double. The first leg of John’s riding double was aboard the progressive Dance of Time in the Yorkshire Area Club Members Race sponsored by Vertem Asset Management for trainer Helena Reveley and owner, Helena’s Grandmother, the former dual purpose trainer Mary Reveley. Ridden at the back of the field for much of the race, Dance of Time, who went off favourite,took up the lead two fences from home, winning by a comfortable 4 lengths. After the race John made a surprising statement “The track didn’t suit him, we just couldn’t get into a good rhythm, he is much better suited to a galloping track. It was his ability that won him the race.” Filling the places were Things Change and Will Easterby finishing second, Wizadora and Jack Andrews came home in third.

The second leg of John Dawson’s riding double was on Monsun Storm, in the Open Maiden Race, sponsored by Teesside Audi. John also trained the winner for owners Heather and David Moorhouse, who live at Easby. “John’s father Chris purchased the horse on my behalf at Ascot, last November. The win is all down to John’s hard work.” Heather remarked, delighted at the win. Monsun Storm had previously finished second at Charm Park, behind the impressive debutante Maguires Bridge, so justified been sent off favourite. Always at the head of affairs, the pair took the lead two fences out and drew clear to win easily. Clashganny is progressing nicely and came home in second place under Will Easterby. Taylormade Boy made up a lot of ground to finish third and is one to watch.

Charlotte Crane rode her first winner in the Yorkshire Area on Fever Pitch in the Hunt Race, sponsored by Tees Valley Mitsubishi, trained by John Dawson for Charlotte’s father Ivan. Fever Pitch, who was sent off favourite was given a patient ride by Charlotte but encountered a tricky moment, when her saddle slipped whilst trying to avoid the faller Sundae Best. “I got my stirrup back, and saddle straightened up before jumping the last. His breathing isn’t great, so I have to keep filling him up. The track really suited him as he loved the bends.” A delighted Charlotte explained. The Crane’s were familiar faces on the Midlands point-to-point circuit but have recently moved to Guisborough. Charlotte, a third year Agriculture student at Cirencester, combines her studies with riding out for trainer Sam Thomas.Fairy Mix and Christy Furness finished a close second, whilst Ourgetaway and Aaron Anderson came home in third place at a big price.

The most impressive and popular winner of the day was Neville Woods, who took the Mens Open Race, sponsored by Novus Wealth Management. Owned, trained and ridden by Phil Greaves, who whips in for the Hurworth and farms at Brompton, was amazed at the performance. “I didn’t think the track would suit him! That was impressive. I must thank my farrier, John Armstrong for getting him sound in time for the race as he has had gravel on and off for three weeks.” Phil said. Six a Side, a useful performer could not get to the winner and finished second under regular pilot, Will Milburn. Third place went to Carlos Gardel and Gillon Crow.

Emma Smith-Chaston and Harris followed up their win at Charm Park by landing the competitive Ladies’ Open sponsored by Blossom Home Care. The old timer 15 year old, Oaklands Bobby and Alice Dawson dictated a strong pace, but Emma was happy to sit handy. “He jumped and travelled well, he is really enjoying pointing! He is feeling better in himself all the time.” Enthused Emma,who owned and trained the winner. Victor Hewgo ran another good race to finish second, whilst Hindon Road and Emma Todd claimed third position.

The Restricted race, sponsored by Subaru was won by See Mores Finale from the small yard of trainer Stuart Clark, who is based near Scorton. Jockey Ross Wilson, explained that a change of tactics and better ground was the key their win. “I used to force the pace but drop him in now, it worked at Dalton Park and I came third so I tried it again today and he was never going to get beat!” Second place went the way of Martha’s Benefit and Will Milburn who put in another sound effort. Raw Condition and Phil Greaves finished a close third.

An exciting Donkey Derby, featuring the Alwood Donkeys, sponsored by McIvor and Son proved very popular with racegoers. The race was won by Mickey and rider Kate Lowcock in second place was Dec and Phoebe Frank.

The next fixture is The Badsworth & Braham Moor at Askham Bryan on Saturday 25th March.

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