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I went, my first meeting this season. Arrived there about 25 minutes before the opener, all looking good with a nice pony race to start with. Three declared for the opener is fine, decent contest and a NW winner so all good. No decs in the second but we get to see the Aintree winner parade so not a complete write off. Entries closed for the third but no sign of any announce of declarations, 10 minutes before the race is due off there's an announcement that there'll be a hound parade at 3pm, no announcement about the third race or the fourth race or any delay or anything on the lack of decs or a walkover/void race etc. Went to the secretaries tent where they seemed to be hiding the decs as didn't seem to be posted anywhere as is often the case. Left before the hound parade (I wasn't the first to leave with 5 or 6 cars in front of me), a complete waste of time and best summed up by somebody who walked the track and told me the going description was a work of fiction and "they could have watered with San Pellegrino and still turned a profit". Had some great experiences at Tabley but about the only positive thing to say is that the program was only £3 and I'm glad I paid £20 and not the £95 to park next to the track. First meeting of the season for me, probably the last too. The sport is dying and there are too many people involved who are only in it for themselves, to make as much cash as they can on their one day a year and to hell with the rest of those involved. We've seen a lot of talk about the professionalism involved in the game now and how it's being taken over by those selling on horses to go under Rules as per the Irish scene, if that is what it takes for organisers to take meetings seriously, provide honest going reports etc. then so be it and if the COC isn't capable of watering to provide a safe surface for racing then just admit it, nobody will be annoyed people just want honesty with what to expect, trainers don't want to travel 3 hours to find out it's a road, neither do jockey's or punter's etc who will all have other options. Sorry my first post on the forum is such a negative one. The weather is great so hope everyone has a great time racing and out and about. Martin

There’s been some silly words and some wholly unacceptable language bandied about recently but that shouldn’t cloud a superb training performance… well done JJ

Sorry to read these comments. Yes We entered Tommy for Kempton & Aintree, We decided to run at Kempton, but kept our options open to also run at Aintree incase anything happened from 28th March (Confirmation of Entry) until today. As you know anything can happen with horses leading Upto races / events on the day. If anything did happen we would have still had the option to run at Aintree. It’s unfortunate that one runner misses out and I am sorry about that. It was just unfortunate that the target races were so close and we had to declare at one before the off of another. It’s quite an unusual and unique situation.

The most selected horse in the competition wins at 22/1. They knew!

Whilst I do have sympathy for Sarah, I also have sympathy for Dom who has worn his heart on his sleeve with his enthusiasm for Tommy. It can only be a good thing for the sport that Nick Luck has taken an interest and offered the 5k bonus but it is a fact that, had it not been for that, Dom would have been sticking with what was always the plan and going to Aintree. I was pleased when Tommy won at Catterick and it was sporting of Dom to change plans and run at Kempton as it meant Nick kept hunter chasing in focus as the bonus remained live. The chances of all 31 declaring must have been vanishingly slim and had they not this argument would not have happened. I'd rather aim my fire at the BHA for being so inflexible and lacking initiative. Imagine where the sport might be if it developed a can do attitude. God forbid!

The Solomon Grey v Captain Tommy spat has even made today's pages of that essential read for all pointing fans, The Daily Star. Includes a pic of Tommy hopping over an Aintree fence last year.

It's odd that apparently it wasn't hard ground at 8 in the morning when everyone could have been notified and thereby avoid a wasted journey. Furthermore, for some reason it was not possible to provide admission refunds on the day instead one has to apply, in writing, yes, pen and paper, paying postage, writing to "The Secretary" who is neither named in the Racecard nor is his/her address given. I love going to Point to Points, but this complete disregard for the concerns of racegoers is inexcusable and it is therefore no surprise to me that Pointing is dying on its feet.

Yes without the bonus he goes to Aintree, but the bonus was there and connections chose to go for that instead. The chances of all 31 standing their ground was quite high actually. Once you accept at the 6 day stage for a race like this where the ground isn't going to change you are surely intending to run unless the horse isn't able to run.

The Pressure is on for tomorrow; we normally go into races under the radar but now everyone is watching! I think any of the top 5 in the betting could win. We are giving a lot of weight away to the bottom two in particular, if he can overcome this then what a performance!

The owners of TC have not broken any rules (as they stand) albeit perhaps broken that unwritten rule of our amateur sport “doing the right thing”! In declaring for Kempton, they have intention to run at Kempton and therefore do NOT intend to run at Aintree and therefore I believe should not be allowed to declare at Aintree. The rule should (and will now hopefully) read “ no horse can declare (for Aintree Foxhunters) if they have run or declare to run in any race after confirmation”. Thank you to all of you who have shown me your support on here and privately x

Hmmmmmn.. Wonder if everyone paying cash was given a ticket? Pretty poor form that the various social media feeds (that had plenty of pre meeting posts) do not seem to be offering any information re refunds? In fact apart from a formal statement on Area site there is absolutely no mention of the fiasco🤔 Would have e thought that the PPA who are bigging it up on digital content would have taken a lead on this one😉 rather than do nothing and hope it goes away🤪

In the Racing Post ptp column https://www.racingpost.com/news/features/regulars/i-owe-her-everything-the-chance-conversation-that-meant-lily-bradstock-could-keep-the-mr-vango-party-going-a7wpe8f4v8Pn/