Point-to-points by Julia Furness

On a cold, but sunny afternoon at the Tynedale point-to-point last Sunday, Joey Richards made it a winning return to the saddle, when she partnered Scarlet Fire to victory in the ladies' open.

Run in the fastest time of the day, the winner was always prominent and after being sent to the head of affairs with a circuit to go, was joined by the odds on favourite, Knocklong, four out. A tremendous duel then followed all the way to the last, where a better jump allowed Scarlet Fire to go on and score by four lengths.

This was Joey's first ride back after giving birth to daughter, Lily, just over a year ago. In her role as trainer, Joey had her second winner of the day in the NPPA conditions race, when Glittering Love put up an impressive performance to beat joint favourite, Weston Flame.

A strong gallop was set by Royal Chatelier, who was still in contention before crashing out at the second last, where Glittering Love took up the running and stormed up the hill to win by eight lengths. By Winged Love, the six-year-old has taken time to mature but looks a useful recruit as this was his third success of the season. He was ably partnered by John Dawson, who was riding his 100th winner, which matched his brother, Chris, who achieved the same milestone.

This was the second half of a double for John, as he won the men’s open over the extended three miles five furlongs aboard One Conemara, who was winning the race for a third year.

George White looks to have an exciting new acquisition in Pieceoftheaction, who completed a hat-trick in the space of five weeks in the opening riders' conditions race. The five-year-old was sent to the front before the last by Tom Hamilton and stuck to his task gamely to score by two lengths from Leavethelighton.

In an incident-packed restricted, the favourite Chanceiton, survived a scare at the bottom bend on the first circuit to prevail in the hands of 19-year-old, Cameron Wadge. This was a fifth winner for Cameron, who has been based with Lucinda Russell since last summer. Both Afterclass and Sound Barrier fell on the first circuit and were running loose in front of the field when they turned up the hill for the first time.

Agentleman, which was leading, ran out following the loose horses and carried the winner wide, leaving Lord Usher in front, but Cameron kept his cool and joined the leader going out on the second circuit and a great jump at the last secured victory by six lengths.

The concluding maiden for eight-year-olds and over went to Fair Exchange, which was bought from Sheila Crow last summer. The eight-year-old is owned by milkman, Graham Briscoe.

In another close finish, Gillon Crow had to work hard to win by1½ lengths from Treliver Manor.

Two pony races preceded the main action. They were won by Elliot Stockwell, on Ninefield Millionaires Splendour and Archie Frank, on Judge Fox.

The Northern Area resumes on Sunday, March 11, with the College Valley and North Northumberland, at Alnwick.

LEADINGawards:

Riders conditions – 1, Pieceoftheaction, T Hamilton, 4-5F; 2, Leavethelighton, Miss C Crane; 3, Oscar Stanley, Miss L Renwick. 10 ran. 2l/8l. Mr G F White (Percy). Open Maiden 4, 5, 6 and 7 yo – 1, Exit Ten, Miss C Tailford, 8-1; 2, Jupiters Way, J Wright; 3, Moscow Calling, M Jenkins. Seven ran. Hd/7l. Miss C Tailford (Haydon) Ladies' open – 1, Scarlet Fire, Miss J Richards, 5-2; 2, Knocklong, Miss C Crane; 3, Nine Altars, Miss C Dun. Nine ran. 4l/3l. Miss J Richards (Cumberland Farmers). Men’s open – 1, One Conemara, J Dawson, 4-6F; 2, For Yes, K Alexander; 3, Whisperdale, A Chadwick. Nine ran. 2l/nk. Mr J W Nellis (Middleton). NPPA club conditions – 1, Glittering Love, J Dawson, 7-4JF; 2, Weston Flame, J Wright; 3, Diamond Brig, T Hamilton. 10 ran. 8l/2l. Miss J Richards (Cumberland Farmers). Restricted – 1, Chanceiton, C Wadge, 5-4F ; 2, Lord Usher, Miss K Leckenby; 3, Taylormade Boy, Miss R Taylor. Ten ran. 6l/5l. Mr Peter J S Russell (Fife). Open maiden eight-y-o and over – 1, Fair Exchange, G Crow, 6-4F; 2, Treliver Manor, L Ruddy; 3, Here Comes Love, T Hamilton. 1- ran. 1½ l/hd. Mr G Briscoe and Mr J O’Shea (Sir WW Wynn’s).