Winning Post

Barnaby wins at Buckfastleigh

We endured monsoon like downpours in the hour before the first pony race was due off at the DVHH point to point at Buckfastleigh and the tack check in the paddock was certainly an experience! Fortunately the rain stopped in time for the 138 race. All eyes were on Hannah Welch who won the Mid devon race and she got a cracking start. Hot on her heels was her cousin Barnaby Treneer on Talponciau Perfect Print and Pippa Glanville on Ravara Super Ted. These three made a break for it along the back straight and were soon clear. Rounding the home turned Hannah pushed Bronze Lawrence for home but was just beaten by Barnaby who was registering his first pony race win. Pippa finished third and there was harsh luck for the fast finishing Victoria Sleep whose pony was spooked by an onrushing supporter in the crowd and unseated her close home. It was great to see Imogen Darke, 9, having her first ride on her lovely pony Grantley April Showers and it wont be long before we see her again. Her dad Ross trained the winner of the members' race for 18 year old Ian Hargreaves to have his first ride and first win just 40 minutes later so they had a busy day. Rachel Leyshon strolled home in the 148 race, her pony Total Eclipse having already won at the Carmarthenshire this season. It won't be long before Bronwyn Buttery and Ginger Biscuit are flying the flag for the Modbury Harriers though and it was good to see Josie Gordon have a great ride on Whinney Widget to finish third. Unfortunately there is a break in the season now until the Eggesford on April 11 and it is a shame that one of the meetings in between don't hold pony races. Well done to everyone who took part as we know you all ended up freezing cold and soaking wet - I hope noone was off school with a cold on Monday!