PREVIEW : WEST & NORTH NORFOLK MEETING AT FAKENHAM RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY MARCH 22nd
Author: Graham Bishop
The West and North Norfolk point-to-point meeting takes place at Fakenham racecourse on Sunday, being the only scheduled fixture held in Norfolk, during the East Anglian area season. Racegoers will enjoy all the professional course facilities and the action and fun commences with two pony races from 12 midday followed by six point-to-point steeplechase races; first at 1pm.
The pony races look to be as competitive as ever with the first two home in last year’s 138cm and under race, namely Tigga and Maesteg Ruth entered again along with Horseheath winner Brooks Spring, representing the Moore Family from Sussex. They also have an entry in the 148 cms and under contest with Dark Dandy , a 4-y-o mare who showed outstanding speed to come through and take the honours, also at Horseheath, at the end of January.
The steeplechasing is made up of a six-race card includes three Conditions races in various guises, a Mixed Open race, a Restricted race and a Maiden race. Since course form often plays its part it is not surprising to see that amongst the fifty entries that have been made, there are entries for horses that have previously run well around this course.
Four of last year’s winners, at the corresponding fixture, Cheytac, No Risk des Flos, The Big Lense and Steppingstone, and also four of last year’s runners-up, Back Bar, Good Source, Aramax and Graveside Lad are amongst the entries. In addition to them there are two horses, My Gift To You and Shadows In The Sky, that have also shown form around this course under rules.
The Level 1 PPORA Conditions race that commences proceedings includes Cheytac who won his last start at Kingston Blount, and Senior Citizen who won at Higham. Cape Vidal was denied victory at Larkhill in the dying strides on his first start in a point and another pointing debutant, Home Free, finished third on his first start at Higham. The Big Lense, who has yet to run this season, won three points last season and then was runner-up in the 2 mile hunter chase at Stratford. There are three ex-NH trained entered in this contest, My Gift To You, Shadows In The Sky and Whizz Kid who all had winning or placed form last year.
The second race is a Level 3 Conditions race for PPORA members, for which seven entries have been made. Of those only Entity of Substanz has won a race this point to point season,having won four in his debut season. Clashhill, who himself won four races last season has finished runner-up on both starts this season, and both Good Source and Mister Splash have finished third on their most recent starts.
The ten entries for the Restricted race includes Atlantic Fleet and Monrocco Moonlight who have both won a Restricted race this season and Maiden race winners Pillar to Post and Ice Prowler. Graveside Lad was second in the Restricted race at High Easter, whilst Steppingstone, who won a Maiden and a Restricted race last season has yet to make his seasonal debut.
All of the entries for the Mixed Open race hold alternative entries over the weekend, either at Fakenham or at Garthorpe on Saturday. Georgina Andrews has made entries for the likeable Fumet d’Oudairies and Master Templar who have both won races this season. Others to have won this season are Shentri, whose victories have both been around Ampton, and Aramax who won at Guilsborough. The aforementioned Cape Vidal, The Big Lense and Shadows In The Sky also hold entries as do the Turner Family duo of Good Source and Home Free.
The third Conditions race is for Veteran horses, aged 10 and over. Senior Citizen, who also holds an entry in the first race is the only one in this contest to have won this season. Envious Editor, Fame And Concrete and No Risk des Flos have all finished runner-up on their most recent starts and Twenty Twenty finished third at Ampton.
The concluding Maiden race has six entries headed by L’Hybris is Born. Both of his starts have been over 2 ½ miles, finishing 3rd on the first, but then being pulled up next time. Red Letter Day has been knocking on the door, and was runner-up for the third time on his most recent start at Brocklesby Park. Diamon des Flos has similarly been placed on several occasions, finished 2nd at High Easter on his most recent start, whilst Dr Doodlebug finished a close 3rd last time at Charm Park.
Throughout the afternoon there will be numerous trade stands to browse in a dedicated shopping area including fashion clothes, country wear and numerous delicious food outlets offering tasty treats for all, public bars, ice cream vendor and local bookmakers will be in attendance.
Other attractions Dog Show with various fun classes (entry on the day) from 1pm and Have-A-Go Hobby Horse competition with the horses provided together with a children’s play area.
Gates open 10.30am. Gate entry with parking £15 per head (cash or card ), under 16’s free and dogs welcome on short leads.
Early bird tickets priced at £12.50 available until 6pm on Saturday March 21st on
Fakenham racecourse is situated 2 miles west of the town NR21 7NY.
