PREVIEW OF THE ESSEX AND SUFFOLK MEETING BEING HELD AT HIGHAM
RACECOURSE ON GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 3rd
Author Graham Bishop
As in previous years, the current dry conditions have presented a real challenge to course officials in their preparation for this Good Friday meeting at Higham. Watering of the course will commence a couple of days prior to the fixture date and the Clerk of the Course will constantly be monitoring the ground with the aim to accomplish ‘Good to Firm’ going or better on the majority of the course with the provision of safe jumping ground.
The organisers have arranged a variety of attractions to appeal to all members of the family. An avenue of retail trade stands, including various catering outlets, beer tent, ice cream vendor and
funfair attractions for the children will all be available. Two fun dog shows with a variety of classes will take place in two dedicated rings, during the afternoon’s proceedings. On course activities start at 12.30pm with a children’s lead rein race followed by two exciting pony races before the six point-to-point steeplechases get underway at 2.10pm.
In the first pony race at 1pm The Gentle Touch and Maesteg Ruth could come out on top whilst Its Fatherted wouldn’t be winning out of turn in the second contest.
Such is the desire to hold fixtures over the Easter period, there are 12 meetings competing for entries. The Good Friday fixture at Higham has entries which are evenly spread across the six-
race card. Amongst those entered can be found some interesting contestants, as well as four of the winners from last year’s fixture, namely Back Bar, Mister Splash, The Big Lense and Tullys Touch.
The East Anglia Area Hunt Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race which commences proceedings has last year’s winner Back Bar amongst the entries. Yet to win this season he showed improved form at Fakenham recently. Stable companion Reel Much Fun has also been entered, having won on his last two starts including a Maiden victory around this course in February. Both Atlantic Fleet and Call Me Early won at Ampton at the beginning of March, and Toss Again has won both his starts in Novice Riders races, this season.
The Level 2 Conditions Race to be run over 3½ miles has entries for Mister Splash (winner of this race last year), Police Academy (also entered in the Mixed Open) and My Gift To You (also entered in the first race) who fought out the finish of the PPORA Club Members Race at Fakenham, in which Mister Splash won the race beating Police Academy, with My Gift To You close behind in 4th. Toss Again also holds an entry for this race, whilst Alan Hill has both
Coolagh Park and The Dancing Tree entered, the latter having won his last three starts.
Alan Hill has also entered two in The Mixed Open Race, I K Brunel, who won this race two years ago, and Senior Citizen, who won a 3½ mile Conditions race around this course in February. Last year’s winner, The Big Lense had his first outing of the season at Fakenham, where he finished 2nd to his stable companion Aramax. Tullys Touch, who won the Mixed Open for Grassroots riders last season at this fixture is also entered. Janika looked the likely winner of the Hunter ‘Chase at Fakenham, but seemed to be spooked at the 2nd last fence and unseated his rider. He had previously finished within ½ length of Jimmy The Digger at the last Higham fixture.
The PPORA Club Members Mixed Open Race for Novice Riders has both The Big Lense and Janika entered in this race as well as the earlier contest. In opposition could be Shentri who has won two Ladies Open races this season, both around Ampton. The entries are completed with Janika’s stable companion Good Source, Jacks Touch who was last seen running under
rules, and the John Whyte-trained veteran Chapelier.
The Jockey Club 0-110 Rated Series race has an entry for last season’s winning most horse, Inchidaly Robin, who started this season with a 2nd place in a Hunt Member’s race at Howick
last month. Garde La Peche won a Novice Rider’s contest at Larkhill last week, whilst Jewel of Windsor won a Maiden race on his first start in a point at Ston Easton a week earlier. Both Tellmesomethingood and The Yellow Mini have yet to win this season. The former was the winner of two races last season whilst The Yellow Mini won around this course last year. The entries are completed by Atlantic Fleet and Good Source who hold engagements in earlier races.
The concluding Maiden race has received entries for two horses who hold certificates from Pembrokeshire, No Hard Feelings and Rhythm of Life. Both were previously in training under rules in Ireland without showing much form. Another to cross the Irish Sea is Kranky Kelly who had run in two points, but has not been seen on the course for two years. Indie Rocknroll made a pleasing start to the season, but has been pulled up on two subsequent runs, and locally trained Rounditoff has been placed in three points this year.
The Good Friday meeting is usually very busy, so we advise getting there early. Gates open at 10am and there’s plenty going on to entertain the whole family.
Adult discounted tickets priced at £18 are available until midnight on Thursday 2nd April. Book your advance tickets on www.highamraces.co.uk. Not only will you enjoy a discount,
but it helps speed up the entry process.
Gate price, on the day, £ 20 ( cash only ). Children 16 and under enter free. Dogs on short leads , please.
Higham racecourse is situated midway between Ipswich and Colchester, fully signposted
from the A12. ( Sat Nav CO7 6NG )
