Organisers of the Hampshire Hunt point-to-point at Hackwood Park have received 114 entries for the event this Sunday (11 March), over 30 more than last year, for their six-race card. The recent snowfall wiping out last weekend’s point-to-point programme, means many owners and trainers are keen to run their horses.
Clerk of the Course, Bill Welling, reports that the going is currently Soft.The recent spiking of the course means that there is no water lying on the surface. A mixture of sunshine and showers is predicted between now and race day, with heavier rain on Saturday.
Racecard:
10.30 Gates open
11.30 Lucy Lines Leading Rein Dash
11.50 Rhiannon Lines Pony Scurry
12.00 Hound Parade
13.00 the Sofas and Stuff Restricted Race (15 entries)
13.35 the Moore Blatch Mixed Open Race (23 entries)
14.10 the NFU Basingstoke 4, 5 and 6 year old Open Maiden Race (17 entries)
14.45 the Gwynne Dental Hampshire Hunt Conditions Race (18 entries)
15.20 the Judes Becher CA Club Members Race for Veteran and Novice Riders (20 entries)
15.55 the Quilter Cheviot Open Maiden Race (21 entries)
Highlight of the day is likely to be the Moore Blatch Mixed Open, for which the winner qualifies for the Timico Mixed Open Final at Cheltenham and the first two for the Skinners Ladies Open Final at Stratford. This is the largest field of the day, with 23 entries and it’s high on quality. Arthur’s Secret and Broken Eagle are two of the best pointers in the country. Arthur’s Secret’s trainer Martin Weston also has the useful Vasco De Mee and consistent veteran Awesome George, a winner here two years ago, in the field.
As this year’s Point to Point falls on Mother’s Day, this is the perfect opportunity to give the Mother in your house a great day out at the races and a hassle free day to boot. Families can enjoy a picnic-free day, as there’s a great array of food stands booked which offer something for everyone, such as delicious wraps, yummy pizzas, a whole range of artisan home-made food, plus drink and coffee stalls.There’s even a special Mother’s Day cocktail from Midsummer Nightcap to savour.
In addition to the racing, entertainment includes a fun fair, bouncy castle and face painting for the kids, plus plenty of beautiful retail stands to browse, such as Blue Bowl from our very own Fonce Drake, Michael Pitman Country Clothing and Abi Wicking to name a few. For a full list of stands visit the website: https://hackwoodparkracecourse.co.uk/index.php/sales-outlets
Entry costs £10.00 per adult; under 16s go free. It costs £10 per car for standard parking in the inner ring. All Advance ticket sales to be made via the website www.hackwoodparkracecourse.co.uk
Charlie Corbett of the Hampshire Hunt commented “We’re delighted with the level of entries this year and are looking forward to a fantastic day of racing with lots of fun to for everyone, both on and off the racetrack. This is a great community event loved by all and we’re extremely grateful to all our very generous sponsors.”