BYERLEY Bear for owner Roger Knowles, will be looking to make it five out of five wins this Saturday (February 8), at the Western Point-to-Point meeting The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, writes Donna Harris.

Having won his fourth consecutive win this season at last weekends meeting held at Black Forest Lodge, Byerley Bear is entered in the AGA Ladies Open race here. The race is a qualifier for the AGA National championship, there are several quality horses entered which will be ridden by some of the country’s top lady jockey’s. The challengers could be Double Mead from the Alexandra Dunn yard, having only been beaten once last season when second to Mid Div And Creep, and having wins in double figures this 12-year-old mare looks a likely contender. Silverburn is another with strong claims, this gelding is full brother to Denman, and was himself not far off top class in his prime, winning Grade 1 races at Sandown.

With six races on the card, the confined race sponsored by The Green Waste Company, heads up the days event with a start time of 12 noon. Great Gusto joined Nikki Frost’s yard this summer and has previously won a hurdle race under rules, he should go well for Bryony Frost who rides him out daily.

Exeter Racecourse sponsor the intermediate, Sobre Tresor won the Novice Riders race here in January under jockey Taylor Pook, and followed that up with a fourth at Chipley Park then ridden by Josh Newman, having led until approaching three out. Ailanthus from the Kayley Woollacott team started her career with a few quirky errors, but made amends at Little Windsor when taking the Restricted, staying on well under Robbie Henderson.

The open maiden is sponsored by Savills (Cornwall), in which the Charlotte Davis-trained Corton Ridge ran third at Chipley Park under Will Biddick and would look to improve for that run.

Mr and Mrs Peter George sponsor the mens open race in which trainer Ed Walker has two entered. Blazing Whale won first time out at Chipley Park, in a 16-runner Intermediate in the hands of Robbie Henderson. Hameldown Tor from the same yard also ridden by Henderson, was third at the same meeting behind winner Certain Flight, it will be interesting to see which horse Henderson gets the leg-up on. Googoobarabajagal fought gallantly here to win the mens open for jockey Michael Heard and will looking to repeat that performance. Will Biddick could get the ride on Champagne Rosie if not having prior engagements at Larkhill.

The restricted race closes the days events and is sponsored by Stimson and Tieken, in which Whensallymetsally from the Keith Cuming’s yard ran second under Will Biddick at Chipley Park, the combination was unlucky to be caught in the final 50 yards finishing three quarters of a length behind Illicit Illusion.

This is an ideal venue for winter racing, with convenient viewing locations. There are tarmac access roads to car parks. Bar, bookmakers, trade stands and hot refreshments are all under cover in the exhibition hall.

Entry is £10 car and driver, £5 per passenger and children under 16 free.

Course is located off A39 west of Wadebridge. Post code PL27 7JE.