THE iconic Grimthorpe Gold Cup has been won by jockey Richard Smith, who rode One Conemara to gold in the April sunshine.

The four-mile race was the highlight of the Middleton Point-to-Point day which took place last week at Sheriff Hutton.

Large crowds turned out to watch the action, with the weather clearing up after a period of rain which made for some tricky conditions over the seven races.

The Grimthorpe Gold Cup came in the middle of proceedings. One Conemara, trained by Jacqueline Coward, beat Tom Strawson and Max My Boy and Monsieur Jourdain, winner of the last three years and odds-on favourite, who finished in third.

The opening race was the Hunt Members' race and went to favourite Comedinewithme and Richard Smith, for a double. The pair beat Jacqueline Coward and Botany Cove into second with Six-a-Side and Will Milburn a close third.

The Open Maiden was a story of firsts. Refusal, trained by Guy Brewer, was taken to victory by Harry Kinder, 19. It was a first win for Refusal, as well as for Mr Kinder himself and also for owner Chris Beal.

The Club Race was won with a late dash from favourite Carlton Ryan, ridden by Will Easterby. Favourite Solid Strike was victorious in the Restricted under Paul Collins, beating midlands-based Tom Broughton on No Alterations. Jacqueline Coward got a strong win on The Highlander in the Intermediate, making it two victories on the day for horses she trained. Agent For Chaos was second under Kelly Morgan. Finally the 2m4f Maiden was won by last year's Yorkshire Ladies champion Emma Todd on Cloghouge Boy at 2-1. Second went to the Mike Sowersby-trained four-year-old Rowdy Robin.