The much-loved Balisteros notched up win number thirty-one at the Sinnington fixture at Duncombe Park.

Looking a picture in the paddock, the 15-year-old was always travelling well for Pauline Robson in the Ladies Open and came home fifteen lengths to the good from Ballad Minstrel (Jo Foster) with Pharlindo (Annabelle Armitage) a further five-lengths back in third.
The sprightly veteran showed that he was no back number and should notch up win thirty-two before retirement beckons at the end of the season.
The grey, Ballad Minstrel, a useful performer on his day when trained under rules by Jimmy Fitzgerald, made a pleasing points debut and looks yet another useful edition to Jo Foster’s string; he should have little problem taking a race, as should Pharlindo, who showed up well for a long way.

Left to Right - Balisteros (Pauline Robson) and Light The River (Claire Metcalfe)

Imps Way ran out a most impressive winner of the Restricted. Always cruising, the 9-year-old mare was sent to the front by Clive Mulhall (or Mr C Mulcahy as given by the announcer!) between the last two and quickly pulled clear of the remainder, scoring by a hard-held sixteen-lengths. There’s little doubt that she’s an improving sort and should be able to fill the void between restricted and confined company.
Wilfie Wild (Lynne Ward) didn’t stand a chance against this winner but may be able to take a restricted.
Journey (Nigel Tutty) travelled well for a long way and may be able to score on a tighter course.
Don’ttellthetaxman (Andrew Richardson) ran well in his first attempt in this company and should take a race of this ilk before the end of the season.  

Restricted - Journey (Nigel Tutty)

Mr Mahdlo took the Mens Open under Ben Woodhouse, denying San Francisco (Guy Brewer) and Sad Mad Bad (Grant Tuer). Staying looks to be the winner’s name of the game and he should continue to go well when encountering suitable conditions.
San Francisco once again ran right up to his best and should be scoring soon.
Sad Mad Bad caught the eye taking a never nearer third and should be followed when reappearing.
Extra Jack (Charlie Shirley-Beavan) faded quickly and needs less of a stamina test.
The well-supported Kilcaskin Gold (Alistair Findlay) cut little ice and looks a tricky customer.
Go Nomadic (Peter Atkinson) was never at the races, but appeared to finish lame.

Men's Open - Mister Mahdlo (Ben Woodhouse)

Men's Open - Sad Mad Bad (Grant Tuer) leads from Just Coming (blue - Clive Mulhall) 
and Kilcaskin Gold (red & white check - Alistair Findlay)

In the Confined, Mr Pendleberry (Nicky Tinkler) followed up his Witton Castle victory and must be followed whilst in this rich vein of form.
Runner up Who Dares Wins (Lee Bates) came from the clouds to take second and should be winning soon.
Third placed Welsh March (Nigel Tutty) travelled well for a long way and will be better suited on a less demanding course.
Fourth placed Royal Crimson (Rupert Alers-Hankey) loves a stamina test and the Grimthorpe at Whitwell, where he finished third in 2003, would once again appear to be his target for the season.
Bohemian Spirit (Steve Charlton) travelled well before tying up before the last and will come on for the run.

Confined - Steel Rigg (Richard Clark)

Serena Brotherton and Emperor’s Son rewarded those punters who had supported them a fortnight earlier at Witton Castle (where they were carried out or missed a marker, who knows? Make up your own mind!), taking the Hunt Members race. There’s little doubt that the winner is a useful sort on his day and the partnership are more than capable of scoring in better company.
Shankly ran freely under Mark Walford and was a spent force approaching the last. He’ll come on a bundle for this run and will be back in the winners’ enclosure before long.
Landford Lad (Guy Armitage) showed up for a long way and could land a small race.

Hunt Members - Emperor's Son (Serena Brotherton)

Thirteen was a lucky number for Scottish raider Three Spires (Andrew Richardson), as he was breaking his duck in Division One of the Maiden, his thirteenth attempts between the flags. This was only his second start for trainer Tim Reed and he may be able to take a small restricted.
Second placed Bobby Buttons (Nigel Tutty) ran well once again and should take a maiden.
The five-year-old Oaklands Luis (Trevor Glass) also put in a pleasing performance in only his second start and he can take a maiden too.
Bright Dawn (Guy Brewer) was lying a close second when crashing through the wing of the last and compensation awaits.

There was high drama in Division Two of the maiden when Devil’s Perk, who drifted badly left when attempting to negotiate the final bend, was still leading when putting Trevor Glass through the wing of the final fence. Trevor was taken to hospital by ambulance and it is hoped that he recovers well from this nasty looking incident.
The race was taken by Charlie Shirley-Beavan on Le Millenaire, who stayed on strongly to deny Sevensider (Richard Wakeham) and Ravenscar (Simon Walker).
The winner, a five-year-old who had finished unplaced in his only other start, a Ayr bumper last year, was doing his best work at the end and stamina looks to be his forte.
The second and third showed enough to suggest that they can both score in similar company.
Devil’s Perk was undoubtedly an unlucky loser and he can land a maiden.

I’m glad to report that the Yorkshire bookmakers were back to form after the Witton Castle debacle with early shows and generous prices too, though whether this was down to the absence of some of the less generous Northern Area bookies or the presence of some of the better known Midlands area bookies, I’m unsure!