THE lack of runners at Andoversford's Cotswold point-to-point was more than made up for by quality racing and amazing weather, which drew a vast crowd keen to enjoy the sunshine and races.
There was no lack of runners in the pony racing, which took place before the main meeting.
So many riders entered the 13.2hh race that it had to be divided into two divisions.
The first division was decisively won by local rider William Twiston-Davies, on Sparky Boy, for the Heythrop Pony Club, with Cotswold Vale's Jake Slatter and Highmead Chatterbox second and Curre & Llangibby's Joe Pointing third.
Tom Bellamy, riding Spring Symphony for the North Cotswold, was the second division winner, with Avon Vale's Edward Sibbick second on Wrayton Viceroy and the Beaufort's Charlie Deutsch third on Frankie Determined.
The Heythrop's James Martin won the 14.2hh class, on Brixton Adonis, in a close fight with the VWH's second-placed Lucy Berry on the over-exuberant Dolphin Song II, with the Heythrop's Lizzy Aldridge third on On the Run.
When the main racing started, Harry Bailey rode a tactical race to take the Members' in impressive style.
He is the son of trainer Kim, whose new yard is close to the Andoversford course. This followed the success of Kim's Grand National runner, Longshanks, who ran a great race the previous day to come seventh out of only 13 finishers.
The Confined Hunts Race saw an exciting finish between the Claire Allen-ridden Existential and Meggie's Lad, who had Richard Mason aboard.
Existential just prevailed.
This win and that of Claire's mount Run To Space, in the Intermediate, gave her 50 wins this season to put her further ahead in the race for the Ladies' Championship.
Caroline Mackness' Gregory Peckory, trained by Fergal O'Brien at Naunton, won the Men's Open under Julian Pritchard.
The Maiden was won by Secret Glen who snatched victory from local horse, Ode To Bliss, in the last 25 yards.
Next Sunday, the Cotswold Vale Farmers' Hunt holds its point-to-point and country fair at Andoversford.
Its attractions include pony racing, falconry, a farmers' market, a horse show , a terrier show and racing, a family dog show, un-mounted Prince Philip Games, trade stands, catering and a bar. The country fair opens at 10.30am and the racing starts at 2pm.
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