LEDBURY-based rider Julian Pritchard rode a win double but success on Teme Willow (Mixed Open) and Mildan Grace (Maiden) were not sufficient for him to retain his Area Riders Championship.
Bank Holiday Monday's Albrighton Woodland meeting at Chaddesley Corbett provided the best the sport has to offer, competitive racing, close finishes and all enjoyed by a capacity crowd on a sunny afternoon in the Worcestershire countryside.
Pritchard was seen at his very best on Teme Willow who prevailed by a short head over Supreme Citizen in a pulsating finish to the Mixed Open. Teme Willow adopted his customary front running tactics and led the field a merry dance from the start. They were hotly pursued by Jane Williams and Supreme Citizen down the home straight and the runner up was gaining ground with every stride on the run in but Teme Willow was adjudged to have prevailed by a short head.
Pritchard had an easier task on Mildan Grace for Worcestershire trainer Alan Hollingsworth. The seven-year-old was at the back of the field for the first circuit but made stealthy progress to join the leaders at the 15th and quickening clear of his rivals over the final two fences.
RESULTS
Members: 1 Winning Town (Miss S Talbot) 7-4, 2 Mr Naborro 1-2Fav, 3 Alaskan Heir 16-1, 3 ran, 3 lengths - distance. Confined: 1 Jalcanto (D Mansell) 4-1, 2 Ioga 1201, 3 Lifebuoy 16-1, 10 ran, 12-6 lengths. Mixed Open: 1 Teme Willow (J Pritchard) 2-1, 2 Supreme Citizen Evens Fav, 3 Sir Dante 6-1, 9 ran, Short head-1 length. Intermediate: 1 Rios Lord (P Millington) 7-1, 2 Vercheny 7-1, 3 Corrie Mor 2-1, 12 ran, head-1 lengths. Restricted: 1 Sharlom (W Hill) 4-1, 2 Campden Kitty 7-2, 3 Glitter Paddy 10-1, 18 ran, Head-20 lengths. Maiden - Division 1 (Part 1): 1 Almost a Day (D Mansell) 6-4 Fav, 2 My native Knight 4-1, 3 Ron Meil 12-1, 11 ran, 1 - 12 lengths. Maiden - Division 1 (Part 2): 1 Mildan Grace (J Pritchard) 3-1, 2 Jolly Jake 9-2, 3 Wind on the Common 5-2 Fav, 10 ran, 10-5 lengths. Maiden - Division 2: 1 Al Vero (M Harris) 6-1, 2 Uncle Ada 3-1, 3 Snowtre 7-1, 12 ran, 4-3/4 length.
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