The popular Brocklesby Point-to-Point races take place on Saturday at Brocklesby Park by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Yarborough. The BHA suspension of racing due to the Equine Flu outbreak has been lifted in time for the event to take place; 127 entries have been taken and seven races are scheduled starting at 12noon, with the final race due off at 3.30pm.

The feature race, the Mixed Open race has attracted 22 entries and some quality horses, it is a qualifier for the Skinners Ladies Open Final Hunter Chase and the Timico Mixed Open Final Hunter Chase. The forecast good ground will suit Wither Or Not, who missed last season but was unbeaten during the 2017 campaign with 6 straight wins to his name, the 9 year old has already finished second in January and Dale Peters has started the season well. Will Easterby has the choice of Greensalt or Monsieur Jourdain and top rated Haymount is the mount of leading lady Gina Andrews.

Many of the Mixed Open horses also have the option of running in the earlier Conditions race where Philip Rowley’s Salvatore may line up and could take some beating. Local rider Tom Strawson may have a busy afternoon, he could ride Streets of Milan in this race for Chris Pimlott and Ballinahow Bill is another for the shortlist. This race is an opportunity for any novice riders to score points for the PPORA awards and qualify for the £1000 PPORA Novice Riders’ Mixed Open Final. George Chatterton is a Midlands novice rider to watch out for; he has made a good start to his racing career and he may ride Distime in this race.

Richard Russell’s Easythingsarebest could run in the Conditions race or the later Intermediate race, this 9 year old missed last season but could run well on his seasonal debut. Kings Lodge and Mydor are others to consider. The Intermediate race is a qualifier for the Connolly’s Red Mills Intermediate Final Hunter Chase at Cheltenham.

The opening Brocklesby Members race will have the most interest for local racegoers with 5 Brocklesby qualified horses entered. Tom Strawson has Somethingwonderful as his likely mount for his father, Paul. Runner up last year, Somethingwonderful scored in this race in both 2017 and 2016 and may be able to return to the winner’s enclosure once more.

Thorpe Maiden winner Thomas Shelby can step up to the next grade in the Restricted race for Gerald Bailey and Alex Vaughan Jones. Racing concludes with two Maiden races, the first one is restricted to mares and is part of the Jockey Club series of Mares races. The 5 year old African Belle could be the one here while in the concluding Open Maiden Tom Strawson may be able to end on a high with the ex-Irish Classical Daytime.

Brocklesby races are a great opportunity for a family day out. There will be bookmakers, trade stands, food outlets and a licenced bar. E-tickets are £13 each, on the gate admission is £15. For E-tickets and further information www.midlandspointing.com