A HUGE crowd at Tranwell celebrated the 50th anniversary of hunt racing at the track in Sunday’s Morpeth fixture.

More than 30 years after opening his account, local MP, Guy Opperman(51), was successful on For A Finish in the hunt members.

The first division of the 2½-mile open maiden went to 96-rated hurdler, Levelling, on her first start for Justin Landy’s yard. In a well-judged ride from Joe Wright, the five-year-old mare moved up to lead inside the last 50 yards.

Owned by Joe, Robin Woodward and Camilla Southerington, the youngster was picked up for £3000 at Doncaster in January. Landy, has sent out 15 winners from 17 runners between the flags in the last 20 months.

Carlisle-based handler, Lynsey Kendall, ended a barren spell with Great Anticipation’s victory in the second division of the 2½-mile open maiden.

After finishing a close second to Sea Scout in the 2016 renewal, Molten Brown went one better in the ladies’ open. Never far off the pace, the 12-year-old was produced with a perfectly timed challenge by Joanna Walton.

Owned and trained by Northern Area point-to-point secretary, Tony Hogarth, the winner got bogged down in the Kelso mud last time.

Former 144-rated ex-Irish chaser, Klepht, who raced against the likes of Boston Bob and Carlingford Lough in 2013, was back to his brilliant best in the men’s open. He gave owner/trainer, Drew Holmes, an armchair ride and forged clear three out.

Chris Dawson, took his career tally to 125 on recent Overton scorer, Viacometti, in the intermediate.

Strongpoint ended a lengthy losing run in the members’ race for veteran and novice riders. Given a positive ride by Jack Andrews, the 13-year-old quickened clear five out.

Nick Orpwood extended his lead over Kit Alexander in the jockeys’ championship to 15 points with an 11th win of the season on Takethepunishment in the restricted.

LEADING awards

Members – 1, For A Finish (G Opperman) 5/4, 2, Newyearsresolution (Miss A Waugh), 3, The Ketchup Kid (Miss L Fenwick), 4 ran, 7, 6, Tim Reed (Morpeth).

Open maiden (Div 1) – 1, Levelling (J Wright) 5/2, 2, Charlie Snow Angel (Miss J Walton), 3, Carrickcross Boye (Miss C Dun), 11 ran, 0.5, 3, Robin Woodward and Joe Wright (Border).

Open maiden (Div 2) – 1, Great Anticipation (J Teal) 8/1, 2, Preacher’s Belle (R Bevin), 3, Artisan Man (J Jordan), 11 ran, 2, 3, Robert and Margaret Kendall (Cumberland Farmers.

Ladies’ open – 1, Molten Brown (Miss J Walton) 5/1, 2, Wind Of Hope (Miss A Waugh), 3, De Bee Keeper (Miss K Bryson), 4 ran, 3, 0.5, Tony Hogarth.

Men’s open – 1, Klepht (D Holmes) 2/1, 2, Carlos Gardel (J Wright), 3, Lovcen (A Anderson), 8 ran, 20, 10, Drew Holmes (Percy).

Intermediate – 1, Viacometti (C Dawson) 7/4 fav, 2, Eco Warrior (N Orpwood), 3, Seeyouincourt (J Andrews), 8 ran, 1.5, 0.5, Kenny Lynn (Jedforest).

PPORA Club race for veteran and novice riders – 1, Strongpoint (J Andrews) 5/1, 2, Fever Pitch (Miss C Crane), 3, To Begin (Miss L Belt), 9 ran, 6, 2, The Coward Fun Club (Middleton).

Restricted – 1, Takethepunishment (N Orpwood) Evens fav, 2, Kitty Fisher (Miss K Bryson), 3, Sorcier (Miss L Brown), 10 ran, 5, 5, Victoria McKie (College Valley and North Northumberland).