St Cuthbert does it comfortably

A pointing newcomer retains an unbeaten tally, while a 20-year-old jockey nets an impressive double

- ALEX ROBINSON

TRAINER Joe O'Shea had cause for celebration when two of his stars landed the open races. The already consistent St Cuthbert's Cave, a winner two weeks ago on his pointing debut at Lower Machen, comfortably secured the ladies' open title under Amber Jackson-Fennell, who made a 10-hour round trip to ride at Hexham.

"I wouldn't do it for many other people, but Joe's rides are always worth the effort; he's a genius, and it's an honour to ride for him," said Amber, who had never sat on the seven-year-old belonging to G&S Capper, J Sherratt and S Anderson prior to heading out.

Amber added: "Joe gave me a few instructions and off we went. I saved Cuthbert's energy and cantered him along, before we picked off those who had gone too hard early on. He won it easily today."

In the mixed open, Henry Crow delivered a fine ride on Masked Marvel eight-year-old Paul Marvel, who is owned by N&K Richards, L&B Doyle, and M&K Shore. On-form Paddy Barlow stormed to victory in the maiden, the final race of the day, aboard field favourite Millena Agent, for trainer William Milburn and owners Andy Nicholls, Tim Turnbull and Derryk Milburn. The Millenary five-year-old relished the soft to heavy ground to record her first victory.