Secretary: Katherine Cooke

Address:  Brook Farm, Bath Road, Upper Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DN

T: 01934 853330 (No Fax)

Entries:  Mrs Lucy Kenny

Address:  Headweir House, Wick, Stogursey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1TL

T:  01278 653367

F: 01278 588084

E:  dwkenny.murphy@btopenworld.com

Entry Fee: £30 per horse per race

Entries Close:  Sunday 6th April 2014, 8.00 pm

Races:  Members - 4,5,6 & 7 year old Maiden (2m4f) - Open Maiden - Mixed Open - TBA Mares Race - PPORA Novice Riders - Restricted

Tim and Irene Sage’s Perfectly Willing can make a winning first appearance in Open race company in the West Somerset Vale Mixed Open at Cothelstone on Saturday. The eight-year-old, who showed top-notch form when runner-up to highly rated Sharp Suit at Kingston Blount, showed his wellbeing when pulling clear of sole rival Alskamatic at Larkhill. Other contenders include stable companions Blazing Whale and Hameldown Tor, who was caught close home by Gone To Lunch in Treborough Hill’s marathon 4-mile contest on 9 March. The Henderson family’s Ston Easton winner The Mythologist – two from two in the UK – is another for the shortlist, along with Chester Williams’ choice from European cross country regular Shalimar Fromentro and triple 2014 winner Un Ami. Prolific winner Kirkleigh is the danger at his best, but Perfectly Willing is the selection.

Jane Williams’ Un Ami and five-year-old stable companion Babeny Bridge, the winner of four of his five races to date, are among the 18 entries for the Novice Riders’ race. Justabout is a candidate if reproducing his January Chipley Park form, along with Quantock Staghounds winner Little Cornham, a recent runner-up in a Newton Abbot Hunter Chase. The in-form Parker family may be represented by Just Amazing and Moment Of Magic, but Join Together, who stayed on strongly to win at Charlton Horethorne, and the “Williams selected runner” are taken to fight out the finish.

Double Mead and Lucette Annie stand out in the 12-entry TBA Countryside Alliance Fillies & Mares race. The former, winner of 20 races including eight under Rules, is in top form after recent Marks Tey and Godstone successes. Lucette Annie, who has won or been placed in 22 of her 29 races between the flags, comes to Cothelstone after finishing 11^th in the Cheltenham Foxhunter. Ground conditions will hold the key to the result. Double Mead will prove hard to catch on a faster surface. Lucette Annie may be able to outstay her speedier rival in testing conditions.

Buckfastleigh winner Red Penny can follow up in the Restricted race, which has attracted 26 entries. Course winners Five Journeys and Twyford may be the two to complete the placings.

Dandooley will be fancied to repeat his 2008 and 2013 wins in the Hunt race, but Carrickmines, who was collared close home here in March, and Laura Claydon’s in-form King’s Bench are the two to consider.

The 2m4f and 3m Maiden races look challenging, with 16 and 24 entries respectively. Hackwood Park runner-up Anglingforcharlie, and Quantock Staghounds second and third Mausefelle and Double Sparkle are three for the shorter contest. Village Whispers fell at the last here in March and can gain compensation in the longer event.

The afternoon kicks off with two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Area Finals in May, at 12.30pm, prior to the seven point-to-point races from 1.30pm.

The course is off the A358, north of Taunton and 3 miles NE of Bishops Lydeard (TA4 3DT). 

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