News

Upton Springs - runner-up in the AGA Ladies' Open Point-to-point Championship final at Cheltenham last season - booked her place again with her second successive victory in this 3m 5f contest, making virtually all the running with Sarah Jayne Davies at the helm.

"She seems as good as ever this season," observed her breeder and joint-owner Peter Corbett,

"so there's no reason why she shouldn't take her chance again."

Virginia Preuil, who finished third last year, beaten by 12 lengths, got closer this time, but in truth the result was never in doubt from three out.

The comment that Peter would be able to keep the trophy that he won last year proved a little wide of the mark. "I haven't seen it yet," he said. "Sarah took it home with her and she kept it!" He is hoping that it might be his turn this time!

Last season Sarah had announced that she was hanging up her boots, but has since decided that she would carry on for as long as Upton Springs was racing.

Race winner Sarah Jayne Davies was filmed after the race being interviewed by respected point-to-point photographer John Beasley. The video can be viewed online at

/aga-living/aga-point-to-point.aspx

FULL RESULTS

1  Upton Springs, owned by Peter Corbett and Sarah-Jayne Davies, trained and ridden by Sarah-Jayne Davies.  SP 4/6 fav.

2  Virginia Preuil, owned by Pat Tollit, trained by Jelly O'Brien, ridden by Phine Banks.

3  Whistling Straits, owned by Pat Beasley, trained by Caroline Robinson, ridden by Immy Robinson.

4  Armoury House, ridden by Chloe Boxall

5  Metal Detector, ridden by Sarah Rippon

6  Rajam, ridden by Lucy Wheeler

PU  Heavy Weather, ridden by Jane Williams

PU  High Rank, ridden by Claire Hart

8 ran.  Distances 2½ lengths & 20 lengths.  Time: 7min 41sec.

For further information contact Jess Shanahan at the AGA press office.

Call 01263 711588 or email jessshanahan@mabelgray.com