The third and final West Wales meeting at Lydstep this season was a popular one, with racecards selling out before the first race. The weather was what they'd all hope for too, with a dry day changing the going from good to soft at the start of the day to good by the end.
The Intermediate was the start of a double for local lad John Mathias, where Dream Bolt made easy work of his rivals coming home an easy 20 lengths ahead of Mister Bricolage and Jodie Hughes. Owned by Neil Adams and Dai Rees, the 7 year old hasn't finished out of the first three this season, with Rees saying, "He was a quirky sort last year and was hard to train at first, He's mellowed a lot now, and the time has paid off." Dream Bolt may well run under rules now for owner Dai Rees, with a trip over hurdles at 2m6f looking the likely.
The second part of Mathias' double came on Rosies Peacock, who was winning for the seventh time over the course, in the Mens Open. This was the pairs 6th win of the season, putting Rosies Peacock the joint second horse in the national standings for the leading horse. Trainer David Llewellyn said that the 12 year old would run until the end of the season, running in either 2 or 3 more races. Llewellyn was quick to joke that "we've finally got him fit," after Mathias came back boasting that the horse had given him the best feeling for a couple of years, jumping for fun.
Nick Williams also went home with a double, the first part of which came in Horses and Geldings Open Maiden on the Gareth Moore trained Captain Camelot. Connections had only bought the 6 year old from John Mathias six weeks ago, and owner Carmen Goldsworthy, who has had horses all her life, said she'd "waited a long time for a winner." Trainer Moore's uncle, John, had been in hospital the day before the meeting, but was keen to be present with a good hand of runners.
The last race of the day, the Restricted, gave Williams his second winner of the day, where Good Grammar fought out a close finish to come home a head better than Redbridge Rebel and Peter Bryan. It could have been an even closer finish had Gardiners Hill and John Mathias not parted ways 2 out. Good Grammar was running for the first time for new owner Elvert Wilkins who hails from Amroth, which is where trainer Dean Coleman trains. "He's had a lot of problems, but after a few different treatments he's back on track now," said Coleman, and it looks like everything as paid off, after two disappointing runs for the seven year old.
The Ladies Open, saw Watch the Birdie and Hannah Lewis come home in front again in second gear, with Heavenstown and Jodie Hughes a few lengths behind. Trainer Gareth Moore has been in rich form lately, with 5 wins from the last 6 runners. When asked what was next for the 7 year old mare, Moore's uncle John didn't want to commit to anything as Watch the Birdie had come home a little lame with a cut on her near fore.
Will Gordon recorded his second career win in two weeks, on the Shan Farr home bred Miss Treacle in the Mares and Fillies maiden. Coming up the Lydstep hill 3 out Miss Treacle was 8 lengths last, but her momentum going down the hill to the last didn't stop, and although she was still in last jumping the last, she finished like a train and overtook Princess Tina and John Mathias, and Rathkenny Lady and Bradley Gibbs in the final strides. According to Shan's husband Ross, the mare is "a bit like my wife. Mostly good but a bit naughty, and can get a bit excitable at times!" The couple admitted they've always known the mare has ability, and praised jockey Will Gordon for his commitment, driving from Devon to ride their horses.
The most emotional win of the day came when Renta Gallery came home the winner in the TBA Club Members Race for Mares and Fillies. Trainer Richard Thomas' sister had been diagnosed with cancer last week, and is having an operation this week, and so trainer Thomas wanted the win to be dedicated to her. It was also his first winner as a trainer, since taking over from his father Adrian, who also owned the horse. Renta Gallery "has been a nightmare to train, as she keeps cutting herself. She is a typical chestnut mare," according to the trainer, but her ability showed here coming home 2 lengths clear from the odds on recent Hunterchase winner Kimora and Mathew Barber.
There is just one Welsh Point to Point meeting left, and it takes place on Saturday June 6th at Trecoed. First race is at 2pm.
