Winning Post

Great to watch ponies

The Dartmoor Point-to-Point held at Flete Park hosted pony racing for the first time and, thanks to the Dartmoor Pony Club holding a racing rally during the Easter holidays, there were plenty of local runners, many of them racing for the first time.  The 138 race saw runners bunched tightly throughout, but Hugo Hunt (Babe), the only one of the eight runners not eligible for the Devon and Cornwall points trophy, managed to slip two lengths clear of Chloe Grove on Summertime Blaze close home. Third was Victoria Sleep a further two lengths back on Diptford Melika. Fourth placed Hannah Welch on Super Ted was the best local rider and also won a prize, judged over both races, for having given her pony the best ride. Bryony Frost has had a great season in the 148s on Jack Sparrow and is clear at the top of the points leaderboard but Josephine Gordon pushed her all the way this time, riding Winnie II. The pair were locked in battle from the start, but Bryony managed to get home by six lengths drawing away on the final bend. Bronwen Buttery in third on Red Bull was best local, and fourth, fifth and sixth places were all taken by first time riders from the Dartmoor PC - Imogen Moody, Charlotte Brooks and Alistair Littlewood and racegoers hope to see them all back in action again soon. It was a brave decision by the committee to try pony racing at Fleet as it has such undulating terrain, but the course really made the riders think how to ride their race and they were helped by a great course walk from former national champion point to point rider Leslie Jefford. They will have another chance on May 3 when the Modbury Harriers host pony racing at their point to point, when it may be that the 148s start their race at the foot of the hill.   Results: 138s: 1, Babe,                                  Hugo Hunt' 2, Summertime Blaze,          Chloe Grove 3,Diptford Melika,                  Victoria Sleep 4, Super Ted                         Hannah Welch.   Eight ran, 2l, 2l, 1.32.   148: 1, Jack Sparrow                    Bryony Frost 2, Winnie II,                            Josephine Gordon 3, Red Bull,                            Bronwen Buttery 4, Talponciu Perfect Print     Imogen Moody.   Six ran, 6l, 25l, 1.40