AN EXCELLENT afternoon of racing was enjoyed at the Blackmore and Sparkford meeting held at Charlton Horethorne while the highlights of the day were a riding double for Martin McIntyre including an impressive pointing debut for the classy Carraig Mor and for two riders, while Gus Levinson and Harriet Tucker who both secured victories.

The Hunt race looked to be between Robin de Boss and Little Billy Boy as they turned into the home straight for the last time but Little Billy Boy ridden by George Hiscock fell at the third last leaving Robin de Boss to win very easily from the only other finisher Hi Bronco.

Trained by Jo Hepburn who is the Chief Executive at Wincanton Racecourse and ridden by her son Jamie he was recording his second success for the stable since being bought at Doncaster Sales in May 2017.

A large field of 16 horses faced the starter for the Open Maiden race and after Draft Pick ridden by Will Biddick had made a lot of the running he was passed by Toby Maguire ridden by Gus Levinson who went on to record a two length victory. Bought out of Shark Hanlon’s stable last November he had run well on his English debut at Larkhill and had clearly come on from that run.

Swincombe Toby was the first leg of Martin McIntyre’s double in the Restricted race when he secured his first victory for trainer Sally Alner.

Monsieur Gibraltar proved just too good for his five rivals in the Skinner’s Ladies race and drew clear on the run in to record a five length victory over Inch Rock. Ridden again by Harriet Tucker who held him up and produced him with an impressive turn of foot after jumping the last and she now has a ride on Pacha du Polder to look forward at Cheltenham next Friday in the Foxhunters.

Richard Barber’s other grandson Christopher who took the spoils with his Carraig Mor in the Mens Open race. Martin McIntyre set off in front on the Old Vic gelding and maintained a good gallop all the way to the line to record a ten length victory over Minim Mouse. Gifted to Christopher by his previous owners this was a tremendous piece of training and if he can be kept sound he may be aimed at a Hunter Chase.

Victors Serenade was an easy winner of the Wessex Area Novice Riders race under Chloe Emsley, still owned by Michael and Angela Bone and now trained by Rachael Honeyball the thirteen year old still retains his ability and relished the going.

Two competitive pony races followed with Roisin Leech riding All of My Dreams just getting up to beat Charlie Sprake riding Mr Marshall in the 148 cms race and Freddie Gingell, grandson of Colin Tizzard, aboard The Jobs Not Straight beating Veno Star ridden by Kelsie Bielby