The Midlands Area Point-to-point season got under way in fine style at Revesby on Saturday where 51 runners contested six races, and there were doubles for Midlands trainers Kelly Morgan and Dale Peters, the latter riding both of his winners.

It was testament to the organising committee at Revesby that the ground was officially recorded as good, despite the recent adverse weather conditions and arctic conditions on the day.

The first of Kelly Morgan's winners came in the feature race of the day, the mixed open, won by Music Drive, ridden by Ellie Callwood. This was debut in British point-to-points for this eight-year-old son of Muhtathir who has previously won over hurdles and chase fences. Initial pace had been set by Foxey (Henry Crow) who led until three fences from home when caught by the rest.

At the last it was Gina Andrews-trained Captain Biggles (Jack Andrews) who provided the competition for the winner, eventually finishing. five lengths behind. “He finds everything so effortless, which makes my job very easy. He didn't get out of second gear and I'm really excited to see what he can do for the team this season”, Ellie Callwood said.

The opening race of the day was a conditions race for grass roots riders which saw four of the eight runners jump the last in a group before the Largy Mountain, trained by Hannah Mahon and ridden by Tom Hutsby, pull away to win by about four lengths. Westhill (Miss A.C. Mackenzie), trained by Francesca Poste, was second, Galileo Silver (Dan Cherriman) was third and Cuddly Dudley (Dale Peters) fourth.

Dale Peters rode favourite Copshill Rock to win the Maiden in a very close finish with Sports Magic, trained by Rob Cundy and ridden by Charles Buckle. Red Letter Day (Jack Andrews) was eight lengths back in third. The winner is a french-bred six-year-old and although this wasn't a faultless performance, looks like one won to watch. “Copshill Rock is a lovely young horse, who’s still learning on the job. Shows a lot of ability just needs to learn to race the right way round,” Dale Peters
Told me.

The Intermediate race came after the mixed open and gave Dale Peters his ridden and trained double, this time with Wallace Ollinger, making his English debut between the flags. Dale said, “he went through the race with ease and I was really pleased with how he did it. And the right two horses were in 2nd and 3rd. I think he’s very smart.”

This was a very competitive field so a two length win over 11/10 favourite Kilfilum Woods (Zac Baker) and Glenmount two lengths behind that is very encouraging and deserving of qualification for the Intermediate final at Cheltenham in the spring.

The PPORA Conditions Race for veteran horses was the final jump race of the afternoon and saw an impressive return to form by Go Go Geronimo, ridden by Tom Chatfeild-Roberts for his father John and trained by Kelly Morgan. This combination jumped out in front and set the pace and appeared to win relatively easily which should restore some confidence. Kelly said, "Go Go Geronimo has to be one of the most consistent horses in training. He doesn't know how to let you down and we all adore him." Second was Benefaktor, twice a Revesby winner himself, who finished four lengths behind the winner under Jack Andrews and third was Rhythm Is A Dancer and Tom Hutsby.

A point-to-point flat race for four and five year-old horses was the last race of the day, run over two miles. Four-year-old Lets Go Harry won this one for Jack Teal, two lengths clear of Lily My Girl (Jack Andrews) trained by Stuart Morris. Third was La Belle Mere and Paddy Barlow.

The next Midlands Area fixture is the Melton Hunt Club meeting on the 2nd February.