THE Lady Dudley Cup provided the most thrilling finish of the day on a eight race card at the Worcestershire Hunt point-to-point meeting held at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday.

Gary Hanmer rode nine-year-old Just Cliquot, trained at Shifnal by Corinne Swarbrick for her family, to victory after a tremendous tussle with Merry Path a length and three quarters away.

Third was Derringtogether Yank a further 20 lengths adrift.

The mare, who may run at Cheltenham next Wednesday, carries the colours of her late owner June Hamer who died in February.

Corinne, her daughter, said the horse had been her mother's pride and joy since it had won first time out.

For her father Ken, who had was course inspector at Chaddesley for 20-years, the horse was his first runner in the Dudley Cup.

Caught at Dawn was the hot favourite to repeat last year's victory, but he never got on terms with the leaders and it was obvious his recent run at Aintree had left its mark.

As they turned into the home straight, Just Cliquot and Merry Path had drawn clear of their rivals and it looked like the locals would be able to cheer a second consecutive win for a Worcester qualified horse as Merry Path gained a slight advantage over Hanmer's mount at the penultimate.

Every time Merry Path put his nose in front, Just Cliquot fought back into contention and the two horses were virtually inseparable at the last.

Just Cliquot managed to find her stride slightly quicker than her rival and with Hanmer providing maximum assistance from the saddle, the pair eased clear as they raced towards the post.

Race results

Members: 1 Totland Bay (5-2), 2 Borderline Breeze (25-1), 3 Mr Naborro (16-1). Seven ran.

Confined: 1 Irilut (3-1), 2 Suaverof (20-1), 3 Heavy Weather (7-4). Fourteen ran.

Dudley Cup (Mens Open): 1 Just Cliquot (6-1), 2 Merry Path (5-1), 3 Derringtogether Yank (25-1). Ten ran.

Ladies Open: 1 Golfagent (2-1), 2 Upton Adventure (4-6 fav), 3 Greenwich (4-1). Nine ran.

Restricted: 1 Sprinkbrook Girl (6-1), 2 Tender Tangle (2-1 fav), 3 Lance Toi (12-1). Fourteen ran.

Mares: 1 Sherwood Rose (5-4 fav), 2 Susie Creamcheese (3-1), 3 Teeton Glaive (4-1). Ten ran.

Maiden Div One: 1 Shambob (12-1), 2 Strolling (5-2 fav), 3 Try to Wyn (14-1). Fifteen ran.

Maiden Div Two: 1 Royal Gunner (4-1), 2 Four Opinions (5-2 fav), 3 Gemster (7-1). Fifteen ran.