DOUBLES were the order of the day at the York and Ainsty point-to-point meeting at Easingwold on Sunday.

Three jockeys – Will Milburn, Jacqueline Coward and Chris Downson each won two races. Milburn started the trend, riding his first-ever double in the opening two races.

Deputising for his girlfriend, Emma Todd, who is recovering from a broken collarbone, he took over the reins on Dead Ringa for the Hunt race, sponsored by Mrs M Blacker. “It doesn’t seem to go right when we swap jockeys,” said Liz Clark, his trainer in advance of the race.

However, a quick pace was set and on the second circuit Will extended his lead over his rival Reasonable Force and Jess Gillam to win by a distance. Will quickly followed up in the Oldroyd Flooring Ltd Four, Five, Six and Seven-Year-Old Open Maiden Race on Six A Side, owned by Peter Kench and Will’s uncle, Colin, who was acting as judge at the meeting and had to stand down for this race.

Placed in all three runs this season, Six A Side managed to get his head in front this time. Will said: “He always seems to come up against a good one but we changed the tactics today and Emma (Todd, the trainer) advised me to hold onto him as long as possible. Once we turned into the straight I kicked on and he seemed to appreciate being ridden this way.”

Apassionforfashion was going really well until falling at the last and would have been the main danger but this left point-to-point debutant Darlington County, formerly in training with Donald McCain and taking advantage of the 60 day rule, to finish 15 lengths back in second place for Phillip Dennis. Anddante was third under Jamie Hamilton and would probably appreciate slightly firmer ground as heavy overnight showers had produced good to soft ground and there was an excellent covering of grass.

The only winning jockey not to ride a double was Joanna Mason who took the Haighs Farm Shop – Mirfield Ladies Open Race on Chris Barker’s Renegotiate.

This was a first winner for the owner, trainer who had forgotten his colours so had to use Joanna’s mother’s colours. The shorter track seemed to suit the former all-weather winner and this was his first win over fences. On Holiday was held up by Jacqueline Coward and came with a late run but couldn’t reel in the winner. Andy Vic finished in third for Joanne Brown, with Houston Dynimo and Joey Richards taking fourth.

The withdrawal of Senor Alco in the Sirran Mens Open Race meant six horses went to post. Kandelin and Christy Furness set the pace with Larkhall and Russell Lindsay whipping in at the back with only about five lengths covering the field. Know The Rules, ridden by Chris Dawson, was sent off favourite after recapturing his form of last year when he won four times. He went into a clear lead with three to jump and fought off late challenges from Larkhall and Kandelin.

Chris completed his double by winning the final race, the Support Yorkshire Air Ambulance Open Maiden Race, sponsored by Tim Leighton. Caddells Row unseated Richard Smith at the first and Shepherd’s Call’s saddle slipped, reducing the field to six runners. Bridal Suite and Hi Ho Julio made the running together and it was the former that took it by half a length. fending off a strong challenge from Kilmacallogue Bay, ridden by Simon Robinson, but also trained by Chris Dawson.

The Millar Man looked as though he was going to provide Will Milburn with a treble but just had no more to give up the hill and finished third .

National champion Jacqueline Coward won on board Billing who took the David Westwood Memorial Restricted Race with ease. Baileys Benchmark, partnered by Richard Smith has been running consistently this season and finished second by four lengths with Castley Lane and Max Johnson in third.

Jacqueline completed her double in the Rayner Builders & Joiners Ltd Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Members Riders Conditions Race.

Schelm ran his best race to date for Oliver Pimlott, taking advantage of his 5lb allowance, making most of the running, the pair looked nearly to have an unassailable lead approaching the final turn for home. Pevensey had been held up throughout, but as soon as Jacqueline asked for an effort, the former Royal Ascot winner showed a lightening turn of foot to collar the pair up the run in and win by half a length.

It was the 50th anniversary point-to-point for the York and Ainsty and the large crowd enjoyed photographs and memorabilia on show.