There has been a bumper entry for the pony races at the Mid Devon point to point on Sunday, and there is a reserve list for both races. With the postponement of the South Devon on Sunday due to frost, this will be the first event of the new season.

The 138 cm race is a classy affair as last year’s Devon and Cornwall points champion Hannah Welch is set to partner Bronze Lawrance who was unbeaten in 10 races last year. But trying to wrest her crown is the former Paul Nicholls owned GWhizz, ridden this year by Noel George, son of NH trainer Tom.

Tina Smith will be bidding to make her first race a winning one on the consistent Bejowan’s Bouquet and amongst the others there are three long distance travellers qualified with the Pembrokeshire.

The 148cm race sees champion rider Bryony Frost, from Buckfastleigh, in her last year in the sport, ride Tarka, while near neighbour Donald Comer Calder rides the Frost family’s Calypso. Chester Williams partners his smart Clover Jess, while the talented mare Flareon also has a new rider in Heidi Lewis.

Laura Horsley returns to the sport with a new pony, Dinky Dude, and multiple winner Jack Sparrow will be partnered by Hugo Hunt. Reserve in this race is national champion pony Total Eclipse.

The first race is off at 10am as the point to point has also received a big entry and has brought its start time forward to 11am. This means an early 8.30am start for the course walk and briefing and the Mid Devon Hunt are to be thanked for keeping the pony racing on the card.

Entries are: 138: Annie VII (Hollie Bedford), Athenes Flight of Victoria Sleep), Bejowans Bouquet (Tina Smith), Bronze Lawrance (Hannah Welch), Clonross Polly (Sean Bowen), Furby (Holly Needham), G Whizz (Noel George), My Golden Dream, Michael Treneer,Red Pepper(James Bowen), Wee Anthony (Sophie Hodges). Res: Tealson Topic, Ginger Wizard.

148: Calypso, Donald Comer Calder, Clover Jess (Chester Williams), Dinky Dude (Laura Horsley), Diptford Arabella (Victoria Sleep), Flareon (Heidi Lewis), Poppy (Ben Price), Merryment Sophisticat (Pippa Glanville), Jack Sparrow (Hugo Hunt), Springs (Michael Bowen), Tarka (Bryony Frost). Res Total Eclipse.

Entries stand for the rearranged South Devon meeting on Feb 12 and owners are reminded that all pony race entries close on Saturdays, in writing, with Claire Wright, Barn Lane Farm, Stoke Rivers, Barnstaple EX32 7LD. Entries close for the South Pool meeting at Buckfastleigh on Saturday, Feb 12.