PUCKERIDGE & ESSEX AT HORSEHEATH SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16th

REPORT OF THE PUCKERIDGE and ESSEX MEETING HELD AT HORSEHEATH ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16th 

By Mike Ashby

Prior to the first race, Charlie Poste, PPORA Chairman, gave a moving speech in memory of Irish jockey, Michael O’Sullivan, who had sadly passed away on the morning of the meeting and a minutes silence was observed.

While recent course winners Aramax, All Is True and Clashhill  were enhancing their records at Horseheath, the performance of an East Anglian equine favourite, Tullys Touch, would have warmed the hearts of many a follower.

The wonderfully consistent 12-year-old has been in the ownership of Christina Blockley and the training care of John and Melanie Ibbott since 2019, winning every season and this was his thirteenth victory in points. Confidently ridden by Ellie Holder, who was riding her first winner of the season, as they produced their winning effort. Both Tullys Touch and the odds-on favourite Captain Biggles tucked in behind the only other runner Jacks Touch, before passing the leader and battling up the Horseheath uphill straight, culminating in a stirring finish, with only a neck dividing the two. The superlatives flowed, at the trophy presentation, from both jockey and trainer, John Ibbott. “ Brilliant ! He gave me a good feel, winging his fences and then putting his head down after the last “ was the jockey’s assessment. Whilst Ibbott confirmed in his last few pieces of work, “Tullys” had shown plenty of enthusiasm and was fully wound up, today, as before leaving for the racecourse he had given his groom a nasty kick !  The trainer also mentioned that Tullys Touch had suffered a leg injury in November which subsequently became infected which would have delayed his normal seasonal debut in January but on this showing they now head to Ampton, in two weeks time, where he is a five-time course winner, in great heart. 

Aramax and young Cian Murphy completed a treble of wins at the Cambridgeshire course, this season all attained in the PPORA novice riders race category. Here, the victory was over just one other rival in Monkey Puzzle who kept the odds-on favourite up to the task and there was a ¾ of a length between the two runners, at the finish. Murphy suffered an unfortunate unseat in the opening contest when his mount jumped probably too well and stumbled but, here, he was always confident of having the measure of his sole rival and Cian was registering his 8th career win from just 20 rides ( 40% strike rate ). This young man completes his conditional jockey’s course at the end of this month and all being well will be granted his licence on the March 10th and will be attached to Paul Nicholls stable at Ditcheat, where he has been working full-time since last October.

All Is True has also won at all three Horseheath fixtures, this current season and has now visited the Horseheath winner’s enclosure on five occasions. This success came in the opening Conditions race and was achieved after taking command three fences out and jumping quicker and better than his only remaining rival, Mount Pleasant. This mirrored their placings at the meeting at the end of last month where they again finished first and second and the winning distance, here, was 2¾ lengths with Gina Andrews being the successful jockey and trainer.  

Alex Chadwick on the runner-up did land a victory for Mount Pleasant’s owner/trainer Nick Wright on Clashhill in the Intermediate race, who was winning his second race at the course having been successful at the previous meeting. Premier Fantasy who won the Restricted contest here on New Year’s Eve had to be content with 3rd place as it was Nigel Padfield’s Padjoes Legacy who offered the strongest challenge to the winner. In another tight finish, disputed over the final three fences, Judge Jonathan Benson gave a neck verdict in favour of Chadwick’s mount with Gina Andrews having to endure another narrow defeat.

Newmarket-based Chadwick had earlier partnered Atlantic Fleet to win the Open Maiden race which saw the biggest field of the day, ten runners facing the starter. The whole field was closely packed for the majority of the contest and there were still plenty in with chances approaching three fences out. From here the winner began to forge ahead and was clear of his rivals, at the last, going on to record a 6 length victory over Francesca Poste’s Kirsch De Cotte.  A really encouraging performance by trainer Ed Turner’s 7-year-old to give his handler his second winner of the season after getting off the mark last weekend, at Higham. According to part-owner Ben Turner, his jockey reported on the post-race debrief, that Atlantic Fleet’s jumping was economical and he was also clever at some of the fences and effectively is still learning the game.

Paper Mill and Charlie Case saw off the 2023 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunters’ winner, Premier Magic, by 5 lengths in the Men’s Open to record his sixth points win for Leighton Buzzard trainer Michael Kehoe, in twelve outings. A consistent performer and according to Kehoe was a slow starter to racing having just one novice hurdle outing in 2022 before switching to points where he has run unplaced on only one occasion.

Another excellent day’s racing to end Horseheath’s season with noteworthy performances from some younger horses together with a heart-warming display by one of the older campaigners.

RESULTS : By Ray Newby

Puckeridge and Essex meeting held at Horseheath.

The official going was Good.

Conditions Level 2 Race

1st All Is True Gina Andrews 1/3 Fav

2nd Mount Pleasant Alex Chadwick 2/1

Only two finished

also Ask Ben 10/1 (UR),  Imnottalkingtoyou 6/1 (UR)

Time 6-26   Dists: 2 ¾L        4 ran

Trainer Gina Andrews

Owners The Oak Partnership

Open Maiden

1st Atlantic Fleet Alex Chadwick 6/1

2nd Kirsch De Kotte Charlie Case 6/1

3rd Time To Upgrade Bradley Gibbs 10/1

also Jasmin Des Bordes 4/1 (4th), Del Amitir 8/1 (5th), Rounditoff 6/1 (6th),

Taghadoe 5/2 (7th), Carrickfergus 14/1(8th), Crookbarrow 20/1( pu),

Eoins Charm 2/1fav (pu)

Time 6-22    Dists: 6L , 4 ½L      10 ran

Trainer Edward Turner

Owners The Turner Family

Ladies Open

1st Tullys Touch Ellie Holder 2/1

2nd Captain Biggles Gina Andrews 1/4fav

3rd Jacks Touch Belinda Rose 12/1

Time 6-29   Dists: Neck, 15L       3 ran

Trainer John Ibbott

Owner Christina Blockley

Mens Open

1st Paper Mill     Charlie Case 2/1

2nd Premier Magic Bradley Gibbs 1/3fav

Only two finished

also Le Boulevardier 14/1 (fell), Take To Heart 5/1 (pu)

Time 6-22    Dists: 5L      4 ran

Trainer Michael Kehoe

Owner Michael Kehoe

Intermediate

1st Clashhill Alex Chadwick Evens fav

2nd Padjoes Legacy Gina Andrews 9/4

3rd  Premier Fantasy Bradley Gibbs 9/4

Also Touch Tight 6/1 (4th),  Capparattin 12/1 (5th), Meetuatnine 12/1(pu)

 Time 6-20     Dists: Neck,  2½L            6 ran

Trainer Nick Wright

Owner  Nick Wright

PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS (level 2 ) For Novice Riders

1st Aramax Cian Murphy 1/5f

2nd Monkey Puzzle Mary Ashby 2/1

Time 6-36    Dists: ¾L        2 ran

Trainer Jennifer Owen

Owners The Whiskey & Water Partnership

PUCKERIDGE & ESSEX at HORSEHEATH – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16th

GOING UPDATE:

Following the first sunny day for many days, the going is back to GOOD all around the course. The bends have been moved out since the last meeting and the ground is level. (Friday 14th Feb).

PUB TEAM PREVIEW

THE PUCKERIDGE & ESSEX HUNTS – HORSEHEATH

Sunday February 16th 2025

12.00 Conditions – 8 entries

All Is True has only met defeat once in 5 starts over the course and will be attempting to land the Horseheath hat-trick this season. He had Paper Mill back in 3rd when winning at the Thurlow meeting, a 3lb turnaround in the weights will give the latter a fair chance of gaining revenge this afternoon. All Is True had Mount Pleasant back in 2nd when scoring at the Cambs with Enfield Chace meeting, again a 3lb turn around in the weights will make things closer, but the manner of victory suggests the form will be confirmed.  Paper Mill has gone on to finish runner up to a useful performer at Larkhill since that run on New Year's Eve here, he has other options here and elsewhere this week, but will be a major player if showing up.

Mount Pleasant is from the Nick Wright yard who are in red hot form, a four time winner he also has other options here but still looks held by All Is True despite the weight advantage.  Aramax, a useful performer under rules (rated up to 140), has regained the winning thread now he's turned to pointing. He has scored in both novice rider events at the previous 2 meetings here this season under Cian Murphy, and he has the option of going for that race on the card in preference to what looks a tougher task in this opener.  Imnottalkingtoyou landed his maiden here in 2022 when with Tom Ellis, and followed up in a restricted at High Easter. His most recent runs have been in Irish points, and his best effort was when runner up in an Open at Lisronagh last season. Now back on this side of the Irish sea his owner/trainer is also a very successful greyhound trainer.

Selection: All Is True                          Alternative: Paper Mill

12.35 Maiden – 11 entries

Atlantic Fleet has four run times in English Point to Points. He finished 2nd in his first two starts and looked an exciting horse to follow, although he disappointed connections on his next two starts. After a nice summer’s break and the yard in form hopefully he will return to the form he showed in his first two starts. Jasmin des Bordes and Del Amitir bring course form to the table finishing 2nd and 3rd in the Maiden race at the last Horseheath meeting. We cannot find a reason for a turn around and we expect Jasmin Des Bordes to uphold that form. Eoin's Charm is an interesting contender, he had strong Hurdling form in Ireland. This is his first start over fences and has proved he has ability and could be a strong contender. Taghadoe has run six times in Point to Points and been placed twice. He is frustrating as he runs a solid race and then disappoints on his next start, only just beaten first time out this year at Horseheath. He started a short price favourite next time out but was beaten when unseating the rider. He could be dangerous if running to his Horseheath form, but he is not one to trust. 

Selection: Eoin's Charm                     Alternative: Atlantic Fleet 

1.10 Ladies Open – 8 entries

Three of those entered namely Captain Biggles, Tullys Touch and Precious Bounty met at Ampton in mid-January 2024. The outcome was a close encounter with the abovenamed three finishing in the order as listed above. Captain Biggles hasn’t been able to get his head in front, where it matters, since but competed in some high grade races including two hunter ‘chases during last season’s campaign. He‘s never raced at Horseheath but his 2nd place behind Music Drive at Revesby Park last month should be in his favour as the winner won again last weekend an is now unbeaten in two outings. Learntalot sprang a surprise when winning the Restricted Final at Stratford last May and won on his seasonal debut at Friars Haugh last month, so definitely an improving sort for the Hills. Bardenstown Lad holds multiple entries each week but was successful at Askham Bryan in  Ladies Open with Emily Costello at the beginning of this month after previously being outpaced before staying at the end of a Warwick hunter ‘chase in January. Take To Heart won a novice rider’s contest at Fakenham last April and It’s been a couple of years since he has lined up in a Ladies Open and could instead be declared for his alternative entry, the Men’s equivalent.

Selection: Learntalot                         Alternative: Captain Biggles

1.45 Mens Open – 8 entries

The Men’s Open race could see a clash between the 2023 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner, Premier Magic, and last season’s winner of the Pertemps Network Stratford Foxhunters Champion Hunter Chase for the “Horse and Hound Cup”, What A Glance.  They did meet in last year's “Horse and Hound Cup”, Premier Magic finishing down the field.  They have both run once this season, Premier Magic finishing second to Jeux D’Eau at Chaddesley Corbett at the end of December, whilst What A Glance finished second to Allmankind around Horseheath on New Year’s Eve, with Ragnar Lodbrok behind in third.  Trevada, who has yet to run this year, won two restricted races last season, and then ended the season with a win in a three runner hunter chase at Fakenham. Both Bardenstown Lad and Paper Mill hold alternative engagements, Bardenstown Lad having won a Ladies Open race at Askham Bryan College at the beginning of the month is entered in the Ladies Open, whilst Paper Mill who has yet to run in “Open” company and finished second on his latest start at Larkhill in January is entered in the Conditions Race.

Selection: What A Glance                                 Alternative: Premier Magic

2.20 Intermediate – 8 entries

With 5 entries rated over 100 and course winers included a competitive race is in prospect. 10yr Capparattin from the Case yard  came good at the end of last season with back to back Maiden and Restricted wins but a pu at Alnwick in Dec. followed by a 30l 4th behind Premier Fantasy in the late Dec. Restricted on this track indicates he has some ground to make up. 7yr. Clashhill from the Wright yard was ridden out well, on his first UK run, by Alex Chadwick and took the Restricted at the last meeting here in appalling conditions but his previous Irish PtP form does not impress. For One Night Only from the Timmis yard rallied to take the Friars Haugh Restricted in Jan. but came unstuck in the recent Hunterchase on soft ground at Bangor and may struggle in this company. Kilfilum Woods from the Poste yard has his 4th run of the season – with back to back Maiden and Restricted wins followed by an Intermediate 2nd at Revesby Park in Jan. deserves respect and it the same race 8yr. Meetuatnine from the Morris yard pu but won the 2 runner Intermediate on firm ground at this meeting in 2023. First run this season for 9yr Padjoes Legasy from the Padfield yard – last season ran 3rd but hampered at the last when in contention in the Cheltenham Int. final followed by being just touched off by Learntalot in the Stratford Restricted final - strong form in good company but first time out this season and only place form on this track. 6yr Premier Fantasy from the Gibbs yard just held on to win the Restricted with a 5lb penalty on this track in Dec. so with that track form a place or better is probable. 13yr Touch Tight from the York yard placed in 3 races last season but then indifferent rules form should  come on from his first run but may struggle in this company.

Selection: Premier Fantasy                                Alternative: Padjoes Legacy 

2.55 PPORA Club Members Conditions (Novice Riders) – 8 entries

Aramax is going for a hat trick of novice rider’s races at this venue. However, he also holds an entry in the opening conditions race. Aramax would have to give weight to all his rivals if running but he will have the assistance of Cian Murphy who’s won on him twice this season and will be turning conditional later this month with Paul Nicholls. On his previous start last month, Aramax beat Red Maple by 6l with a possible rival Young Rich adrift in 3rd. Young Rich will be getting 6lbs from Aramax but that shouldn’t be enough to reverse placings, but Young Rich should make the frame again under his enthusiastic rider Molly Legg. Mount Pleasant hails from the Nick Wright yard, no jockey was booked but it’s quite possible Cian Murphy could ride if Aramax is engaged in the earlier contest as he has ridden for the yard before. Mount Pleasant finished 2nd on his latest start under Cian Murphy when beaten by All His True late last month in a conditions race here. Monkey Puzzle was 2nd at Charing on his seasonal reappearance earlier this month but was 55l behind the winner, Southfield Lily. At 13 he’s well into the veteran stage now and seems to run better at Ampton. Jack’s Touch ran last week at Higham and was 4th, 36l behind the winner Kayf Hernando so may not run here today. Due Reward was 3rd at Tabley on his final run last season going down by 9l to Eeze A Saint in May. Imnottalkingtoyou is a 2 time winner in Irish points and could make his UK debut today. On his penultimate start he was 2nd to The West’s Awake at Lisronagh beaten 1½ l in a mixed open in February 2024. Despite having to give weight to all his rivals Aramax is our choice here. Mount Pleasant is our alternative.

Selection: Aramax                                              Alternative: Mount Pleasant

Overview:

Race 1: All Is True / Paper Mill

Race 2: Eoin's Charm / Atlantic Fleet 

Race 3: Learntalot / Captain Biggles

Race 4: What A Glance / Premier Magic       

Race 5: Premier Fantasy / Padjoes Legacy 

Race 6: Aramax / Mount Pleasant

PUCKERIDGE & ESSEX at HORSEHEATH – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16th

GOING UPDATE:

Following 7mm of rain over the last two days, the going at Horseheath is GOOD WITH GOOD TO SOFT PLACES GOING UP THE HILL AND ALL DOWN THE HILL. The bends have been moved out since the last meeting and the ground is level. (Wednesday 12th Feb).

PREVIEW

Puckeridge and Essex Hunts at Horseheath on Sunday February 16th 

By Graham Bishop

The third and final meeting to be held at Horseheath,, this season, takes place on Sunday with the action commencing with two pony races, from 11am, to start the day and after their presentations, the six scheduled steeplechases will commence at 12 midday

The first of six point-to-point races is a Level 2 Conditions race in which All Is True and Aramax are entered, both seeking trebles around this course this season.  All Is True won a Level 3 Conditions race on New Year’s Eve, with Paper Mill close behind in third and then won a Level 2 Conditions race at the end of January with Mount Pleasant behind in second.  Aramax’s wins were in the PPORA Club Members Conditions’ race for Novice Riders at both fixtures.  Either side of Paper Mill’s third place he has finished runner-up to Duc de Bourbon in two Conditions races at Larkhill.  Imnottalkingtoyou, formerly trained by Tom Ellis, won around this course three years ago and finished in the first three in all his seven starts. Last season he was running in Irish points, finishing second in February but failed to complete the course on four other outings.

The entries for the Maiden race have varied backgrounds, three of which might not be competing in this contest had they not been denied in tight finishes. Last season Atlantic Fleet was caught on the line when finishing second at High Easter and Jasmin des Bordes suffered a similar fate at Dingley. Taghadoe was caught by Jullou de Grissay around this course on New Year’s Eve having led from flagfall. The winner has won again since but Taghadoe’s subsequent run at Charing was disappointing. Jasmin des Bordes has run this season, finishing second once again, but a long way behind Barrington John, with Del Amitir further behind in third place.  Rounditoff finished a distant third on his first start this season having previously been placed in Irish points.  Kirsch de Cotte ran a much better race on his second start of this season when finishing fifth at Revesby Park. Carrickfergus finished runner-up in an Irish point last season, but has not shown anything in three outings this side of the Irish Sea.  Eoin’s Charm has yet to run this season, having previously been running in Irish NH Flat races and hurdle races, finishing runner-up in one.  The entries also include the unraced 4 year old Give Me More who will be in receipt of a 21lb allowance.

All bar one of the entries for both the Ladies and Men’s Open races have ratings over 100.

The Ladies Open race includes Learntalot who travelled to Friars Haugh to succeed in the 3 ½ mile Mixed Open race last month. Bardenstown Lad, who is entered in the Men’s Open race too, won at the fourth time of asking this season at Askham Bryan College in the Ladies Open race. Precious Bounty won a “Grassroots Riders” race at Badbury Rings and then finished second (only two finished) to Shentri at Cocklebarrow.  Captain Biggles has had one outing, finishing second to Music Drive at Revesby Park and the winner supplemented that success when victorious again at Brocklesby Park.  On last season’s form Captain Biggles holds the call over seasonal debutant Tullys Touch, finishing three lengths ahead of him when they met at Ampton in January 2024 with Precious Bounty another ½ length away in 3rd place..

The Men’s Open race includes the aforementioned Bardenstown Lad and Paper Mill.

The 2023 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner Premier Magic is entered for this contest and has the impressive career record of eleven point wins and three hunter ‘chase successes. He has run once this season, finishing second at Chaddesley Corbett at the end of December behind Jeux D’Eau.  Last seasons “Horse and Hound Cup” winner What A Glance is also entered and his sole run this season was around this course on New Year’s Eve when he finished runner-up to Allmankind, a winner at Higham last weekend. Trevada, who has yet to run this year, finished in the first three on all six starts last season, culminating with a win in a three-runner hunter ‘chase at Fakenham.

The Intermediate race has the making of an interesting race with the Restricted race winners from the two earlier Horseheath fixtures amongst the entries. Premier Fantasy won the Restricted race on New Year’s Eve, whilst Clashhill won a similar race at the end of January.

Both Capparattin and Kilfilum Woods are from the yard of Francesca Poste. Of the two, Kilfilum Woods has shown the better form this season, winning his Maiden and Restricted before being denied, by 1½ lengths, in an Intermediate race at Revesby Park. For One Night Only won a Restricted race at Friars Haugh in January before finishing down the field in a Bangor hunter ‘chase last week. Padjoes Legacy, without a run this year, progressed throughout last season, finishing third in the “Intermediate Final” at Cheltenham and then being denied by a head in the “Restricted Final” at Stratford behind Learntalot. Touch Tight who ran in this race last season finishing second to All The Ammunition and has been runner-up in five races together with two victories from eight career outings.

The final race of the day is a PPORA Club Members Conditions Race for novice riders. Several of these hold entries in earlier races, including Aramax and Mount Pleasant with the only exceptions being Due Reward and Young Rich.  Due Reward has yet to run this season, whereas Young Rich has run twice, finishing fourth at Chaddesley Corbett and then finishing third, here at Horseheath, behind Aramax at the end of January.

Wonderful panoramic views of the racing with Trade stands ~ Food outlets ~ Bar (cash)

Come and browse before, during and after racing. Gates open 9am

Early bird tickets available until midnight Saturday 15th February

https://horseheathp2p.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/

Gate Admission: Adults £15 ( cash only ). Children 15 and under free. Dogs welcome (on short leads)

FORWARD PARKING

A limited reserve parking area is available at £50 per car (not including entrance fee)

For further information email russellmanagement@outlook.com

HORSEHEATH RACECOURSE IS SITUATED 4 MILES WEST OF HAVERHILL ON THE A1307. EXITS 9 or 10 off the M11 ( SatNav CB21 4QP )