South Pembrokeshire
Lydstep
Easter Monday 25th April 2011
by Amanda Sloyan
Both racing enthusiasts and Holiday makers
enjoying one of the best Easter Bank Holidays in years came in
their droves to attend the popular South Pembrokeshire Point to
Point races at Lydstep on Easter Monday. The hunt committee had
made a superb effort in watering the course using in excess of
200,000 gallons, to ensure perfect racing ground which in turn
resulted in a good number of runners and very competitive
racing.
James Tudor standing in for the injured John Mathias took the
riding honours, enjoying four winners. The first being the
Kristal Harris trained Udeman (2m4f Open Maiden), then David
Llewellyn 's Rosies Peacock ( Mens Open) who was winning for the
fourth time at the Lydstep course, and followed by the Dai Rees
owned and trained duo Two Shook Men( 3 mile Open Maiden) and Saint
Peray ( Intermediate). Despite James being a previous National
Point to Point champion it's doubtful he has ever had four such
impressive winners to ride in one day. The smallest winning margin
of his four was by ten lengths the other three all recorded 20
lengths plus wins.
The day did not go all Tudors way, as despite being sent off odds
on favourite by the betting public in the opening Hunt members
race aboard Lydstep Hills, an unusual mistake from the Beat All
gelding saw the partnership hit the deck two from home, Bradley
Gibbs and Sir Monty who were in close attendance at the time then
only had to ensure a safe jump at the last to win by a distance
from Paul Goldsworthy on Stafford Prince.
Six of the day's seven races were won by horses hailing
from the county of Pembrokeshire, highlighting a real purple patch
the county is enjoying in the sport. Dai Braces Doctor Tom being
the only South Wales winner, when following up a maiden win at the
Monmouthshire last time out with a front running display
that galloped his rivals into submission in the concluding
race of the day the 'Restricted' Race.
The 'Ladies' Open race proved an emotional win for Laugharne based
Lucy Pearce-Rowsell on Baron de Doc, owned and trained by close
friend Charlotte Owen. Lucy's father Keith suffered a heart
attack on Easter Saturday, which sees him currently an in-patient
at West Wales General Hospital, news was re-laid to him in his
hospital bed via telephone of the win. Everyone wishes him well in
his recovery.
Pearce-Rowsell's brother in law Dai Jones also graced the winner's
podium; but for a very different reason. The Carmarthen based
jockey at the age of 47 and the winner of 226 races has
made the decision to retire from race riding due to hindrance from
an old racing injury. An occasion that could not go by without
being recognised, commentator Eddie Williams who has called Dai
home on many occasions over the past 30 years, and had
great pleasure in making a presentation to the popular jockey.
A dry forecast now means the taps will need
to be turnt on at the Banwen Miners meeting for their fixture on
Monday 3rd May, held at one of the most beautiful settings in the
country, Pentreclwydau, in the Vale of Neath.
1st Race Hunt Members
1st Sir Monty/Mr Bradley Gibbs
2nd Stafford Prince/ Mr Paul Goldsworthy
Dist:Dist Time:6m.12 3 Ran
2nd Race 2m 4f Open Maiden
1st Udeman/Mr James Tudor
2nd Cloran Jack/Mr Matthew Barber
3rd Hazarose/ Mr Nathan Deakin
Dist:Dist & 10 lengths Time:4m.53 8 Ran
3rd Race Ladies Open
1st Baren De Doc/Ms Lucy Pearce-Rowsell
2nd Kisha King/Miss Anna Metekohy
3rd Fruitfull Citizen/Mrs Lucy Jones
Dist:5 lengths & 30 lengths Time:5m.53 4 Ran
4th Race Open Maiden
1stTwo Shook Men/Mr James Tudor
2nd John Clayton/Mr Matthew Barber
3rd Cilrhiwron/Mr Bradley Gibbs
Dist:10 lengths & Dist Time:5m.55 12 Ran
5th Race Mens Open
1st Rosies Peacock/Mr James Tudor
2nd Pathian Prince/Mr P Tolman
3rd Treasury Counsel/ Mr Bradley Gibbs
Dist:12 lengths & 4 lengths Time:5m.58 10 Ran
6th Race Intermediate
1st Saint Peray/Mr James Tudor
2nd Rash Oak/Mr Paul Tolman
3rd Bunny Mcdougall/Mr Nathan Deakin
Dist:30 lengths & 5 lengths Time:6m.01 7 Ran
7th Race Restricted
1st Doctor Tom/Mr Tom David
2nd Banagher/Mr James Tudor
3rd Clover Rock/Mr Matthew Barber
Dist 20 lengths & 7 lengths: Time:6m.01 8 Ran