REIGNING champion point-to-point jockey Richard Burton went to the Wheatland Hunt meeting at Chaddesley Corbett in search of winners to try and retain his title.

But he came away winnerless and had to watch one of his cast-off mounts triumph in the Men's Open race.

Burton had the choice of between Fane Counsel, talented but had ran out last time, or Minella Silver, a horse of ability but susceptible to injury.

He opted for Fane Counsel who was sent off an odds-on favourite in the six runner field.

Burton then had to watch as Fane Counsel tiredon the final circuit and Minella Silver in the hands of Adrian Wintle swept in to the lead to record a four length win from the consistant The Camdonian in second with Fane Counsel back in third place.

News Flash, ridden by Lorna Brooke, for her mother Lady Sue Brooke, confirmed favourtism in the 11 runner first Division of the older horse Maiden race as the partnership made all the running to easily score from the chasing duo of Abitofahike and Little Dish.

It confirmed the promise of their recent Hunterchase placing.

Results were:

Maiden 5,6,7 yo: 1. Lucky Wyn (M Walters) 10/1, 2. Copper Grove 20/1, 3. Jolejoker 5/2. 13 ran.

Maiden 8 yo Up (Div 1): 1. Rosemead Tye (K Baimbridge) 8/1, 2. Classic Fable 4/1, 3. Royrace 5/4 Fav. 8 ran.

Maiden 8 yo UP (Div 2): 1. News Flash (L Brooke) 11/10 Fav, 2. Abitofahike 9/1, 3. Little Dish 7/1. 11 ran.

Open: 1. Minella Silver (A Wintle) 7/2, 2. The Campdonian 7/1, 3. Fane Counsel 2/5 Fav. 6 ran.

Ladies: 1. Campden Kitty (J Williams) 6/4 Fav, 2. Do It Once 8/1, Chadswell 11/1. 8ran.

PPORA: 1. Brok Bee (D Sherlock) 10/1, 2. Native King 5/1, 3. Arctic Burner 10/1. 8 ran.

Restricted: 1. Wind on the Common (T Stephenson) 8/1, 2. Cloddagh Valley 10/1, 3. Belle Moss 9/4. 10 ran

Hunt: 1. Nealie Mac, (M Wall), 2. Karinga Lane . No SP's were returned for this race.