New west Wales Season 2009 Part 2

Permission from the landowners of the free draining sandy soil course of Lydstep, Nr Tenby, has been granted to stage this exciting edition to the calendar, with the course's proximity to the coast, a bonus in helping to survive any possible frost threats at this time of the year, thus making the meeting a definite target for local trainers and many from outside the area. This brings West Wales into line with the sport nationally where the Point-to-Point season starts as early as the 29th November in Devon

The meetings official title,' The West Wales Area Club', sees lady jockey Christine Toy take up the challenge of being meeting secretary, ably assisted by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic committee, with the Hunts that make up the West Wales Area contributing manpower whether on the day or during the meeting build up.

Traditionally the West Wales Point to Point season always got under way with it's first meeting around the start of February but a newly formed Area Club Committee has taken the decision to change this and hold a race meeting on Sunday January 3rd.

Bookmakers as always will be in attendance offering race goers the best of prices on the days runners, with on course catering and refreshments available, but if you'd like to bring your own that's no problem, something has to be done with all that left over Christmas food!! A great day to get out with the kids over the New Year.

Those with a Sat Nav need to put in SA70 7SG to find the course and all the meetings info and up to date weather reports are available on www.pointtopoint.co.uk or on Talking Point 09068 446061.These will let you know if there are any problems with the meeting going ahead.

In addition to the new opener, the area has a further six meetings with the Pembrokeshire at Trecoed closing the season on the 6th June, Easter Monday remains the date for the South Pembrokeshire with the Banwen Miners staging the other Bank Holiday fixture on May the 3rd. The Vale of Clettwr the 30th January and the Carmarthenshire 20th February stage theirs both at Erw Lon Nr Pencader with the Tivyside looking to return to Cilwendeg, the 13th March after missing last season at the Boncath course due to TB restrictions on the land

CRYSTAL EYES

7yo b m

Trainer: Phil Mathias

Owner Hayden Mathias (no relation to the trainer), the South Pembrokeshire Starter, has every reason to look forward to a successful season with this mare, who, on paper is a maiden winner waiting to happen. Placed third first time out in a maiden at Garnons a sixth in a restricted followed next time, only for a disappointing third and final run at the Glamorgan. Sore shins were latter revealed as the culprit, and wisely connections put her away. Having owned the mare from a foal, visiting the winner's enclosure will be even sweeter for Hayden and his family.

ROSIES PEACOCK

7yo b g
Trainer: David Llewellyn

Home bred Rosies Peacock is from a West Wales Point to Point family that has stood the test of time, with this individual holding up the family name well, having won his final two starts of 2009. Owner/trainer David Llewellyn is hoping to have the gelding to hand earlier this year, however the yards runners usually improve for the run and investment is maybe best held back until the Intermediates at the Carmarthen and South Pembrokeshire meetings.

PRINCE CAR

7yo b g
Trainer: Marc & Matthew Barber

Another seven year old which is going to make the Area Young Horse title a strong competition this season, unlike the first two Prince Car has plenty of mileage on the clock, the winner of a 4 year old maiden in Ireland in 2007, he joined the Howard Johnson yard for a career under rules but after a few placed starts his form tailed off and he returned to pointing, winning his restricted last season. Purchased at Ascot sales this summer by the Barber's he should make his seasonal debut at the Vale of Clettwr meeting, his form suggests an Intermediate is well within his grasp.

ESTERS BOY

12yo b g
Trainer David Underwood

Being the model of consistency for Owner/Trainer David Underwood, having won and been placed in his last ten starts point to pointing it is not hard to put forward Esters Boy. His one attempt at Hunter Chasing resulted in an unseated rider, stumbling three out, whilst travelling well at Bangor, this run has encouraged connections to try again. With regular pilot Kyle Yates retired Peter Bowen's very capable amateur Michael Byrne takes over, already the rider of 13 point winners in Ireland this combination will be of great interest. Start looking for his entries at the end of February.

MISAMON

7yo b g
Trainer Crystal Harris

An Easter Monday return to action is planned for this French bred gelding, who last year served his owner Dai Rees well, winning three opens including the South Wales Area feature race 'The Welsh National'. Five runs 'Summer Jumping' followed with a three length second at Newton Abbot on his concluding run a fine effort. This season will take very much the same route as last year, with the pointing being used to freshen him up ready for another summer campaign.

NAUGHTY BY NATURE

7yo b g
Trainer: Wyn Morris

Owned by National Hunt trainer Rebecca Curtis this ex hurdler could be a bit of a surprise package, his trainer Wyn Morris has been amazed with the change around of his demeanour and is "enjoying life" out hunting. Bits and pieces of his past form, which saw him win off a mark of 96 in February, could see him as a very useful ladies horse with Jodie Hughes looking forward to the ride.