148s get competitive at Bratton

Any would be jockey could do no better than get involved with pony racing – those junior riders on show at the Dulverton West point to point proved that they are improving and learning about race riding all the time.

Any would be jockey could do no better than get involved with pony racing - those junior riders on show at the Dulverton West point to point proved that they are improving and learning about race riding all the time.

The 148 race was well bunched up throughout, albeit with eventual winner Bryony Frost trying to ride the waiting race her father Jimmy had asked her to. She got home by two and a half lengths but there were two other up and coming riders snapping at her heels. You will hear more of second placed Chester Williams on Clover Jess, a pony who really doesn't look as if it should be as fast as it is. The pair had their best result of the season, as did Hannah Welch on Annie IV in third. Hannah is well used to the winners' enclosure - her 138 pony is unbeaten so far this season and she has learnt her craft in that division - but the 148 race is a different kettle of fish and it takes a while to adapt. While the 138s are fast ponies, the 148s tend to be small thoroughbreds, but she proved she has got to grips with the change now.

The 138 race was a full house of 10 - three ponies having been on the reserve list. Bronze Lawrence won but as they hit the run in it looked as though either Talponciau Perfect Print (Barnaby Treneer) or Bejowan's Bouquet (Heidi Lewis) would challenge close home. Little Ness put in a great run, up with the early pace for John Dalton-Morgan, and running on to finish fifth. He had a great battle with Balfour Skipper (Christopher Gregory) who was fourth and Clonageera Maybe (Donald Comer-Calder) and all three will be names to watch for the future.

Results: 138: 1, Bronze Lawrance, Hannah Welch; 2, Talponciau Perfect Print, Barnaby Treneer; 3, Bejowans Bouquet, Heidi Lewis; 4, Balfour Skipper, Christopher Gregory; 5, Little Ness, John Dalton-Morgan; 6, Clonageera Maybe, Donald Comer Calder. 10 ran, 2 1/2l, 5l, 1.23.

148: 1, Tarka, Bryony Frost; 2, Clover Jess, Chester Williams; 3, Annie IV, Hannah Welch; 4, Poppy, Ben Price; 5, Barbara's Arbour, Hugo Hunt; 6, Flareon, Chloe Grove. 8 ran, 2 1/2l, 1 1/.2l, 1.31.