ON Sunday the curtain fell on what has been a successful season for Welsh Point to Pointing, with jockeys from Pembrokeshire taking all six races at Trecoed, writes Maria Evans.

The biggest cheer of the day came when 16-year-old Stephanie Rogers took the Hunt Race on her very own Teenage Kicks, in what was her first win as a jockey. In their ninth start of the season, the pair were prominent from flag fall, until going away from the field with two to jump, in the end winning by an official three lengths in what was a truly deserved win. All three finishers in the race were ridden by novice riders, bringing back the true meaning of a Hunt Race. Rogers, who works for trainer Wyn Morris, is now hoping to get a couple more horses ready for the 2015 season.

After failing to win under rules for trainer Marc Barber, Kimora came out to win the Restricted Race for brother Matthew, who both trained and rode the winner to victory. Following a short break, the eight-year-old mare came back into training six weeks ago with winning this race always the aim. The final meeting of the British season at Umberleigh is now the plan.

The first part of John Mathias’ double came in the Men’s Open, when the prolific Rosie’s Peacock made it a 23rd win, in what has been an illustrious career. Trainer David Llewellyn said that it was just what his stable star needed before a run in a Hunter Chase at Stratford this Friday evening. Mathias’ second winner came in the final race of the day, when he and No More Whispers won the Intermediate Race, from Minellaformarriage and Prince Eleanor – making it a double for trainer Matthew Barber too.

Another to come away with a double was jockey Jodie Hughes, who after coming to the meeting on five wins for the season, left on seven, securing her title as the Welsh Ladies’ Champion – something she could only dream of when sat on the side lines this time last year. Her first winner came in the Maiden Race, when Mister Hendre, who has been unlucky on his last two occasions, was given a patient and perfectly timed ride by Hughes to win by five lengths, for owner Heddwyn Jones. In the Ladies’ Open Race, Hughes made all from flag fall on the Luke Price trained Bay Central, coming away an impressive forty length winner. In their usual style of running, the pair could not be touched, and were never less than fifteen lengths ahead. Read Spotlight feature on page 82.

Even though the Welsh Point to Point season has come to an end, the National scene is still going strong, and there will be Welsh interest a plenty until the last day of the season on Saturday, June 14 at Umberleigh.