DISPATCHES FROM THE SOUTH AND WEST MIDLANDS: 23 NOVEMBER

South Midlands and West Mercian Area participants were again to the fore at Dunsmore and Garthorpe last weekend, taking the spoils (or at least a share of them) in eight of the twelve races that took place.

Chris Barber and Ed Doggrell had tasted success at the opening two meetings of the season and combined for a Dunsmore double with the impressive and progressive Jewel In The Park in the Intermediate and ex-rules Mount Sinai in the Mixed Open. The third West Mercian winner down in Devon was another pointing debutant, French Symphony. Trained by Justin Brotherton and ridden by Will Badlan – having his first mount back after injury – the ex-Ben Pauling inmate took the concluding Maiden.

Will Badlan (far side) - won on French Symphony (Tim Holt)

At Garthorpe in Leicestershire, another in-form team – trainer Alan Hill and his daughter-in-law, jockey Izzie – won their third race of the season when Nice To See You dead-heated in the Maiden that closed the card while the powerful Gina Andrews yard had its first runners of the season and completed a double with Loughan in the Ladies Conditions Race and I’m Spellbound in the 0-110 Rated Race. The trainer was in the saddle for both victories.

I’m Spellbound and Gina Andrews (Neale Blackburn)

Milo Herbert had missed the 2024/2025 season but has returned to the saddle this year and struck on his first ride with Grandads Cottage, an easy winner of the Mixed Open. The horse is Monmouthshire-qualified but trained in West Mercian territory by Nicky Sheppard at Eastnor. West Mercian operations scored again with Jolie Joue in the Restricted. The 4yo, trained by Fred Timmis and ridden by Huw Edwards, was another to win well and is unbeaten in both pointing starts.

Milo Herbert (red and white) - back in the saddle (Tim Holt)