Testing ground was how the jockeys described the going at the Cumberland point to point at Aspatria on Saturday, when Gunner Jack recorded his 18th success between the flags in the Men's Open.

Runner up, Douglas Julian tried to make all but going down the back for the last time, was joined by the winner and the pair, who opened up a gap of 20 lengths on the rest of the field, had a duel all the way to the line. A better jump at the last by Gunner Jack ensured victory for the 13 year old, with Senor Alco a distance back in third. The winner has given the Wrigley family endless fun since they bought him in 2010 and is a credit to his trainer, Clive Storey.

The North West Hunts Club Members race was a win on home soil for the Tim Brockbank trained, Nickwillis, as the point to point is held on the Brockbank's farm, Heathfield. The nine year old, who suffers from back problems, has hunted hounds 15 times this season and was only kept in training to accompany his full brother on the gallops. After working well, Tim decided to run him, and this was his second success of the season. Sent off the 5-4 favourite, the nine year old took up the running five from home and although challenged by Instant Shot three out, went on to score by eight lengths. He was partnered by 20 year old, Ryan Day, who after a spell with Fergus Jestin, is now based with local trainer, Lisa Harrison.

Victor Thompson secured a one two in the Restricted race, when the less fancied of the pair, Red Myst, held on by three quarters of a length to beat the favourite, Have One For Me. The runner up was a return to the saddle for Tristan Davidson, who has been off with a shoulder injury, but there was a sting in the tail as he was fined £200 for misuse of the whip. Port Echo tried to make all as she did when she won at the Fife, but two out Red Myst took up the running and after a good jump at the last, Toby Speke galvanised the winner to hold on from his stable companion.

Gemma Cochrane has an unassailable lead in the Novice Riders Championship and she added to that when she took the Ladies Open in fine style aboard Keeverfield. With a circuit to go a blanket could have covered the field but the winner stayed on strongly to beat Sacred Mountain by five lengths. The 13 year old, who is trained from the field, was bought a month ago by the Cochrane family from Samantha Drake, after a message on Facebook.

Three went to post in the Young orse MH Horse Maiden run over the shorter trip and victory went to the odds on favourite, Whisperdale, who led from start to finish in the capable hands of Jamie Hamilton. Running for the eighth time this season, the six year old was bought by owner Jack Clark at Doncaster in August 2013. He is trained by Earlston based, Elspeth Watson, but some of the credit should go to trainer, Stuart Coltherd, as he had him for six weeks last year to instil some discipline! Incidentally, his full brother, Big Sound finished second in his debut over fences at Hexham, the same day.

Tristan Davidson received compensation for events earlier in the day, when Monogram won the slowly run NPPA Club Members race by seven lengths from long time leader, Open De L'isle. The ten year old gelding, which is from the same family as Deep Sensation, and was bred by the late Rhona Oliver, was sold for £40,000 as a four year old to Howard Johnson. He won twice under Rules before Victor Thompson acquired him in 2011 and although he has won three point to points, this was his first success since 2012, proving that he is not the easiest to train.

In the concluding Open Maiden race it just proves that you should not believe everything that is written in the form guide as the winner, Steel Law, was described as "did not look like a racehorse". This seemed a little harsh as the home bred eight year old was only running for the second time, having pulled up at Mosshouses the previous week. Given a patient ride by Jamie Lyttle, the Minster Son gelding showed a great turn of foot after the last to win by four lengths. He is owned by joint master and huntsman of the Haydon, Angus Crozier, whose son Will, has whipped in to him on the winner this season.

LEADINGawards:

North West Hunts Club Members < 1, Nickwillis, R Day, 5-4F; 2, Instant Shot, F Campbell; 3, Tweedys Choice, T Greenwood. Seven ran. 8 l/15l. Mrs J E Brockbank(Cumberland). Restricted < 1, Red Myst, T Speke, 5-1; 2, have One For Me, T Davidson; 3, Arnis Brack, F Campbell. Six ran. ¾ l/8l. Mr V Thompson (Percy). Ladies < 1, Keeverfield, Miss G Cochrane, 5-1; 2, Sacred Mountain, Miss C Walton; 3, Pena Dorada, Miss J Coward. Five ran. 5l/10l. Mr Alistair Cochrane (Badsworth & Bramham Moor). Mens < 1, Gunner Jack, E Wrigley, 4-1; 2, Douglas Julian, T Hamilton; 3, Senor Alco, T Speke. Six ran. 4 l/dist. Mr N H T Wrigley (CV & NNH). 4, 5, 6 & 7yo Open Maiden (2m 4f) < 1, Whisperdale, J Hamilton, 4-5F; 2, Heckley Herbert, Miss C Walton. Three ran. 4l. Mr J C Clark (Lauderdale). NPPA Club Members < 1, Monogram, T Davidson, 4-5F; 2, Open De L'Isle, Miss M Guerin-Green; 3, Sammy Spiderman, Miss E Dunkley. Three ran. 7l/7l. Mr V Thompson (Percy). Open Maiden < 1, Steel Law, J Lyttle, 14-1; 2, Craicneasy , R Wilson; 3, Chosen Keys, T Speke. Six ran. 4l/10l. Mr W A Crozier(Haydon).