THERE was a good turnout for the Staintondale point-to-point that returned to Charm Park and spectators witnessed lots of competitive racing.

Chris Dawson was the jockey in double form, his first came in the Thompson Homes Restricted race, where six of the seven entries turned out and it was the closest finish of the day.

Harbour Way made most of the running under Max Johnson and set a good pace, but it was Lortzing, who had won here on his previous start, who got up by a short head from Barton Jubilee, partnered by Oli Pimlott and Apassionforfashion and Jack Jordan a further length back in third. The second part of the double came in the Newark Livestock Market Open Maiden race with Arboretum.

Chris quickly moved into challenging position and won, going away by 10 lengths from Stagecoach Jasper and William Easterby, who ran his best race to date.

Racing started with the PPORA Club Members Race for Veteran and Novice riders, sponsored by Castle Employment Agency.

Ridden a bit more handily than his previous starts, Opera Og took this for his owner, trainer, rider Sean Murray and defied a 3lb penalty in the process, although he gave all the praise to the horse.

“I have been very lucky to purchase Opera, he’s such a lovely horse to have at home but one who can go out and win as well,” he said.

The Mixed Open Race was sponsored by Haybar and although only three turned out it was a close race at the finish.

Ganbei took this under Craig Hoggart, deputising for Harry Bannister.

“This was a great confidence booster for him, he’s really well at home and we knew he needed the run but we’re delighted,” said winning trainer Stephanie Easterby.

Kings Lodge was the main danger under William Easterby, but Ganbei won by four lengths.

The CW Strickland & Son Confined Race was won by Larkhall, ridden by Russell Lindsay. He has been very consistent this season, and won by seven lengths from Impact Zone and William Easterby in second and Hand Act Or Part, who had made most of the running under Max Johnson, finished a further three lengths back in third.

The final race, the Brigg View and Malton Marquees Maiden Conditions race, which was for horses that have not won or been placed in any race.

Chilledbychoice, ridden by Emma Todd, was having his first run at maiden level, having had two runs in restricted races. The pair went on to win by two lengths from Jerusalem Bells and William Easterby.

Chilledbychoice is trained by Jeannie Brown for Joanna Newitt, who bred the horse. Jeannie was a very successful rider and trainer in the 1990s, before taking out a full training licence, but has returned to the point-to-point ranks after a 17-year break and started where she left off.

“Although he’s eight, he’s still only a baby in racing terms as he spent two years eventing and has had very little racecourse experience. I was very pleased with how professional he was. It gave me a big thrill as Charm Park is my favourite track,” said the winning trainer.