THIS weekend was another red letter day for leading gentleman rider in Yorkshire Will Easterby at the Bedale point-to-point at Hornby Castle, where the going was described as good to soft, writes Will Milburn.

Crowds turned out in their masses to spectate at an excellent day's racing, and a big screen was also on hand after racing so everyone could witness this year's Grand National.

Easterby racked up another double on Saturday and he started it in the Men's Open aboard the versatile Things Change, trained by his mother. The winner was making his sixth appearance this season and continues to progress well. Always travelling smoothly he quickened well up the straight to easily come clear of Caracourt, who was having his first start in points after some lacklustre performances under rules and making a promising debut.

Third place went to Rosie Du Berlais who was rallying towards the line under Elliot Brookbanks.

An added bonus for the winner was in that the race held a prize fund of £1000, which is much more than most races and this the feature race of the day. Panama Canal had travelled up from the Midlands for this event and was sent off the 6-4 favourite under Tom Strawson, however could never land a blow and trailed in fifth.

Will completed his double in the final race, the Open Maiden aboard the Robin Tate-trained Stagecoach Jasper. The winner was finally getting off the mark at the age of 10, after 20 attempts under rules and nine runs in points, 30th time was a charm.

The pair were always prominent and pulled clear on the run towards two out. The runner-up rallied strongly towards the last but a good jump saw the winner quicken away to the line.

"He's a monkey, he was idling in front but as soon as the runner-up came to him he took off again!" said Will.

Second place and a promising debut for Andy Nicholls was Market Road under Will Milburn, whilst third went to Christy Furness and Quest Of Valour who again ran with great credit.

Christy however went two places better earlier in the day aboard Shantou Prince in the Hunt Members' race, the pair never looked in doubt and eased clear up the straight to win impressively, the pace setter See Mores Finale was second, whilst No Secondchance was possibly slightly disappointing back in third. The winner was back to winning ways after a fall last time at Garthorpe but a confident ride from Furness saw him cruise home here and keep him well in contention for the Gentleman's Novice Title.

"He's been really well at home and he jumped superb," said a delighted trainer Gill Walford.

The Ladies' Open saw an excellent finish between two top class performers, however it would be the unbeaten-this-season Knocklong who would come out on top for trainer Justin Landy. Young Hurricane and Freya Brewer were the only danger to the odds-on favourite and with the pair jumping the last together it was Cath Walton who galvanised her mount to get up in the closing stages, whilst Trop Fort filled third under Jacqueline Coward.

It has been an exceptional season for Justin Landy who has sent out eight runners this season from two runners and has come home with eight winners, a marvellous training performance by any standard.

Jacqueline Coward took the opening Club Members' race aboard Battle Range, whom she also trains. The pair were prominent for most of the race, however their task was made somewhat easier when Hand Act Or Part crashed out four from home when leading. The same fence saw favourite Greensalt come to grief also, Max Johnson sustaining a broken wrist. Everyone will be hoping he makes a speedy recovery. Battle Range was left in the lead four out and was allowed to come home with relative ease, Mitissio was a long way back in second, continuing to put in some lacklustre efforts, and Lord Of The Course filled third under Andrew Glass.

The Restricted was an exciting finish between Fairy Mix and According To Dan. Fairy Mix was tracking the leaders turning for home but a strong ride from Elliot Brookbanks saw the pair battle on strongly to win by a length and a half. Moscanisi continues to progress well and filled third.

The winning rider was delighted to get another win on the board and is another who is in contention for the Novice title.

"It's good to get a winner, I've had quite a few seconds lately," said Elliot.

The results in full:

CONFINED            Battle Range          Jacqueline Coward          2-1
HUNT MEMBERS    Shantou Prince      Christy Furness               4-9FAV
RESTRICTED         Fairy Mix               Elliott Brookbanks           7-2FAV
LADIES OPEN        Knocklong             Cath Walton                  4-6FAV
MENS OPEN          Thing's Change      Will Easterby                  7-2
OPEN MAIDEN      Stagecoach Jasper  Will Easterby                  7-4FAV