Nick Orpwood took his seasonal tally to 18 with a short-price double on Chaz Michaels and Milano Magic at Haydon point-to-point last week at blustery Hexham.

His first came with the unraced Chaz Michaels, which was backed down from 8-1 to 7-4 favourite, and, after jumping to the front at the last, went on to score by eight lengths from long time leader, Kinder Scout.

The five-year-old was bought privately in Ireland by Derek Fox, a conditional jockey based with Lucinda Russell and was a first training success for his girlfriend, Lea Francioni.

Milano Magic completed a four timer in the intermediate race and provided Nick with his second success on the day. Probably George set a strong gallop and was still at the head of affairs three out, when the winner took it up and went on to record a 12-length victory.

Winning trainer, Gemma Cochrane, who would normally partner the nine year old, but has been side lined for most of the season with a broken collarbone was delighted with the winning margin as his three previous wins have all been close calls.

The Milan gelding is now top of the leader board for the Champion Horse in the Northern Area, and will probably return to Hexham for the Border in a fortnight's time.

In the opening club members' race De Bee Keeper completed his hat trick and gave jockey, Ross Chapman, the perfect send off as he turns conditional later this month.

The seven-year-old is owned and trained by Ross's uncle, Russell Ross, who bought him privately out of Lucinda Russell's yard in January after disappointing under Rules having previously changed hands for €80,000 as a four-year-old!

Doreen Calder looks to have an exciting prospect for next season, after Flying Central took the Young Horse Maiden by three lengths from favourite, Mafate Fortin. The seven-year-old was only broken in last summer and although still green put in an exemplary round of jumping and gained compensation for being carried out at Mosshouses a fortnight ago, when looking the winner.

Her dam, Flying Up, was unraced due to a twisted foreleg, but comes from the same family as the legendary, Flying Ace, who Doreen rode to win over 50 races. The success also gave 19-year-old, Gary Beaumont, who works full time for Alistair Whillans, his first point to point winner.

Seven went to post in the restricted, in which Farm Pixie recorded a second success of the season under Charlotte Dun. Always near the head of affairs, he was joined by According to Dan three out, but after jumping the last upsides went on to assert and win by two lengths.

This was another partnership to make amends for an incident at Mosshouses as they were well in contention before crashing out through the wing at the last.

The nine-year-old is owned by Charlotte's aunt, Kathy Weir, who acquired him last summer from permit holder, Ann Hamilton. When in training, he was placed six times at Hexham racecourse without actually getting his head in front, so obviously enjoys himself round here.

Only four faced the starter in the mixed open, in which Ockey De Neulliac annihilated the opposition to win by an eased down 20 lengths. The ex-Ferdy Murphy trained 13-year-old has been a bit of a revelation since joining Neil Mechie two years ago, as he has now won 11 races from 16 starts.

Neil, who works full time as a vet for Mark Johnston, is keeping his options open for his next run, which include a hunter chase at Stratford or Wetherby or a return to Hexham at the end of the month.

Nobody was more surprised than trainer, Karen Lynn, when Viacometti, sent off at 8-1, routed the opposition in the NPPA Club members' race. Given a patient ride by Chris Dawson, the six-year-old made eye catching progress going down the hill for the final time and after jumping the second last in front victory never looked in doubt.

Reservations were held over the French-bred gelding's stamina, but these were dispelled when he forged clear to win by three lengths. He was bought by Karen's husband, Kenneth, at Doncaster last September for £2750, having won a bumper at Perth in 2013, so could prove to be a bargain.

LEADING AWARDS:

South Northumberland Hunts Club Members - 1, De Bee Keeper, R D Chapman, 4-5F; 2, Fozy Moss, Miss C Walton; 3, Temple Green, Miss K Bryson. Five ran. 4l/10l. Mr R A Ross (Haydon). 4, 5, 6 and 7 yo Maiden 2m 4f - 1, Flying Central, G Beaumont, 7-4; 2, Mafate Fortin, Miss E Todd; 3, Hands on Scarlet, H Reed. Five ran. 3l/15l. Miss D M M Calder (Berwickshire). Open maiden - 1, Chaz Michaels, N Orpwood, 7-4F; 2, Kinder Scout, R D Chapman; 3, Stagecoach Jasper, R Tierney. Nine ran. 8l/dist. Mr Derek Fox (Fife). Restricted - 1, Farm Pixie, Miss C Dun, 6-4F; 2, According To Dan, J Dawson; 3, Moyacomb, T Hamilton. Seven ran. 2l/dist. Mrs K Weir (Lauderdale). Mixed open - 1, Ockey De Neuillac, Miss C Walton, EvensF; 2, Scots Gaelic, Miss F McSharry; 3, Damiens Dilemma, Miss H Bryce. Four ran. 20l/4l. Neil Mechie and Justin Landy (West of Yore). NPPA Club Members - 1, Viacometti, C Dawson, 8-1; 2, The Brig At Ayr, N Orpwood; 3, Back on the Road, J Alexander. Ten ran. 3l/7l. Mr Kenneth Lynn (Jedforest). Intermediate - 1, Milano Magic, N Orpwood, 6-4F; 2, The Gotfor Man, T Hamilton; 3, Probably George, Miss K Bryson. Six ran. 12l/6l. Mr Alistair Cochrane (Fife).