A thrilling Essex Grand National, in which just a short head and a neck separated the first three home after they had slogged through the mud for four miles, was the highlight of Sunday’s East Essex Point-To-Point at Marks Tey.
Six of the seven runners were still in close contention jumping the fourth last fence. But Ide No Idea, trained at Wymondham by Caroline Fryer and ridden by her near-neighbour, Rupert Stearn, quickened five lengths clear soon after and looked to have the winner’s trophy in safe keeping.
RESULTS
GOING: SOFT (HEAVY IN PLACES)
Open Maiden
1 Red Burn – Alex Embiricos 6/1
2 Clonshire – Tom Ellis 3/1
3 Italian Dream – Claire Twemlow 10/1
Time 7-15 Dists: 1/2L, 3L 12 ran (Cooleys Flyer 6/4 Fav)
Confined
1 Cheyanwe – David Kemp 4/6 Fav
2 Bavard Court – James Owen 5/1
3 Don’t Tell Nina – Bridget Andrews 6/1
Time 7-15 Dists: 10L, 8L 6 ran
Mens Open (4m Essex Grand National)
1 Ide No Idea – Rupert Stearn 6/4
2 Owenacurre – Stuart Robinson 8/11 Fav
3 King Of Castile – Steve Spice 20/1
Time 8-58 Dists: shd, nk 7 ran
Ladies Open
1 It Was Me – Carey Williamson 1/3 Fav
2 Argentato – Bridget Andrews 5/1
3 Emergency Cover – Gina Andrews 3/1
Time 7-17 Dists: dis, 2L 6 ran
Restricted
1 Kayandson – Tom Ellis Evens Fav
2 Alexsandra Zofia – Joe Carden 3/1
3 Up And Away – Georgie Thorogood 5/1
Time 7-27 Dists: 2L, 8L 8 ran
Novice Riders
1 Court Red Handed – Max Kendrick 6/4
2 Sheriff Hutton – Archie Wright 1/2 Fav
3 Casson – John Morrey 4/1
Time 7-43 Dists: 1 1/2l, 20l 4 ran
