RACING took place at Yorkshire’s newest course at Askham Bryan College on Sunday, March 22, where competitive racing was the order of the day and the Maiden race had to be divided at the declaration stage.

The day started with the Wetherby Racecourse and Conference Centre Confined Hunts Race with a field of seven. The race was the quickest of the day, which was remarkable considering none of the jockeys had any experience of the course.

Chris Dawson showed why he has been area champion three times by guiding Sposalizio into first. Riding a patient race he asserted on the final bend and went on to win by six lengths from Kings Lodge and William Easterby in second and Pertemps Networks a further five lengths back in third ridden by Craig Hoggart. Craig was deputising for Joanna Mason who broke her back in a fall at the Hurworth meeting recently. She had an operation on Wednesday and she was present at the meeting to give final instructions.

Six of the seven entries turned up for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society Restricted race. The Ketchup Kid fell on the final circuit and brought down Barton Jubilee, but the winner, Oh So Serious ridden by Max Johnson, had already passed this pair and went on to win by a distance from the only other finisher, Prince of Ivagh and Chris Dawson. “He deserved to win a restricted so I’m really pleased,” said Max.

The hosts, Askham Bryan College, sponsored the Men’s Open where Force of Habit continued Sarah Dent’s good form, the trainer having won the Hurworth’s equivalent last week with Executive’s Hall. “He’s got stacks of ability, but needs cajoling along,” said Sarah. “He is very laid back and has a long stride so looks like he isn’t doing a lot.”

The winner was ridden by John Dawson, who beat his brother Chris on Know The Rules by three lengths and Zitenka finished four lengths further back for William Easterby.

Division One of the Caddick Construction Mens Open race saw Mr Mistopheles follow up on his impressive point-to-point debut last week to go two better and win this under Tommie Dowson. Hi Ho Julio was once again the bridesmaid under Chris Dawson and Twelveoclockhigh put last week’s unseat behind him to finish third for William Easterby.

In Division Two, Shabach managed to get his head in front for Will Milburn, in a time four seconds quicker than the first division. “He deserved to win, he’s learnt to settle this season and he’s a genuine horse but I think cheek pieces just helped get that bit more out of him at the end,” said the winning jockey. On Vacation pushed him to the line but was one and half lengths back under Richard Tierney and Chantry Melody finished third for Andrew Bartlett.

Young Hurricane won the Rudding Park Ladies Open Race, ridden by Freya Brewer. “We were really pleased with him,” said trainer Guy Brewer. French Seventyfive battled on well under Emma Todd to finish second by five lengths and Blackthirteen was third for Jess Gillam.

Only three turned out for the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club Members race for novice riders and much of the running was made by Scots Gaelic and Fionn McSharry. Craig Hoggart was once again aboard My Old Piano who took quite a hold and struggled for cover with only two other participants, however the pair were victorious.

James Wyatt finished in second under Alice Petch but the pair were beaten a distance.