THE Yorkshire Point-to-Point season kicked off on Sunday with a day of seven races at Sheriff Hutton.

Entrants came from all over the country to race, with 148 entries being received.

The first race, the Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Members race, was split at entry stage and the first division started the day at noon. It was won by rider Christy Furness, of Bedale, on Shantou Prince.

The second division was won by Carlton Ryan, trained by Stephanie Easterby and ridden by William Easterby.

There were 20 entries received for the restricted race. Sue Mason's Comedinewithme was the eventual winner, ridden by Richard Smith.

The fourth race was the Ladies' Open. Before this race, the stalwart Palypso De Creek had been the favourite, with the 13-year-old being described as one of the best pointers in the country. Ridden by Claire Hart, they did indeed prove unbeatable.

The fifth race, the Mens' Open, had 29 entries, including Cave Hunter and Harbour Court, but was won by Gunmoney from Northamptonshire, ridden by John Russell.

The Open Maiden Race included entrants Erica's Dream and "promising" Mafate Fortin. Before the race, it was reported that the winner was likely to be The Highlander for Jacqueline Coward, who was second at Alnwick in December, but in the end it was Greensalt, ridden again by William Easterby.

In the seventh and final race, the shorter distance young horse maiden run, entrants included four-year-old debutant Outthewindow and on-form Cloghouge Boy but the winner was Gray Wolf River, trained by Neil Mechie.

Cristine Drury, secretary of the club, said of the conditions: "We were lucky to get out with the frost. It was testament to the good condition the ground is kept in."

Admission was £10 per person. The meetings were run to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.