Julie Gomena owned the hurdle races, and Richard Valentine made his statement in the timber races, as both trainers brought home two winners each in the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point on Saturday March 19.
In this photo, Pizarro (left) with Natalie Wales up and Justpourit with George Hundt, Jr. aboard fight for first in the Owner-Rider Timber Race.
Hurdles
Gomena-trained Red Ghost won the Maiden Hurdle for owner Over Creek Stables, setting the early pace along with fourth-place finisher New Mambo. The winner was never further back than second, and he held off challenger Dakota Slew in the stretch.
In the Open Hurdle, Devil’s Preacher rallied to take the lead after the last fence and overcame Eamonn in the race to the wire for owner Greg Ryan. Carl Rafter was in the irons for both wins.
Timber
Valentine-trained Justpourit was declared the winner of the Owner-Rider Timber race for owner-rider George Hundt, Jr. Pizarro crossed the wire first, but was disqualified for interfering with Justpourit upon landing after the last fence. It was the Valentine and Hundt team that won the Maryland Hunt Cup in 2009.
Valentine’s second win of the day came in the last race, the Springs Valley Open Timber, with Professor Maxwell jumping around perfectly for jockey Gus Brown and owner Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.
Trainer Teddy Mulligan played bridesmaid for the day with two seconds—one in the Open Hurdle two lengths behind Devil’s Preacher and one in the Open Timber two-and-a-half lengths behind Professor Maxwell.
Seven of the nine races throughout this particularly fine day were close—only two to three lengths separating the first and second place horses.
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Posted March 23, 2011