WILLIAM EASTERBY kept it in the family as the new Point-to-Point season got under way at Sheriff Hutton.

The rider claimed a double in the Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club's meet on Mick Easterby's land at New House Farm - taking the second division of the Club Members' Race on Carlton Ryan and adding to his haul with Greensalt in the Open Maiden.

On soft and fairly testing ground, Christy Furness took the opening division of the Club contest on his father John's Shantou Prince. Taking advantage of his novice rider status, and lighter weight, the pair won by a length from long time leader Mattara with Sportingfriendship half a length back in third under Easterby.

Bought in Ireland last year, the gelding has now won all three of his Point-to-Point starts.

Easterby was on the board in the next on Carlton Ryan, trained by Steph Easterby.

The pair put in a great ride to beat Fearthedark, who had led for most of the race and, at one point, had a 15 length lead.

Fifteen went to post for the Coniston Hotel Restricted Race, won by Richard Smith on Susan Mason's Comedinewithme by an impressive ten lengths from Asheanymoney.

“We always knew she was nice,” enthused Joanna Mason, the mare’s former rider. "We’re not sure where she will go next but we might look for a novice hunter chase for her."

Palypso De Creek belied his 13 years to win the Coral Bookmakers Ladies' Open Race.

“You do worry if they’ve still got it when they get to this age but I’m really pleased with how he’s run,” said winning Lincolnshire owner, and trainer, Mike Dawson, who will aim his star at a third consecutive hunter chase race victory at Wetherby next month.

Johnny Russell was awarded the ride of the day gong after his front running tactics paid off on Gunmoney in the Browns Department Stores Mens' Open. He had to fend off the fast finishing Robbie and John Dawson and kept them at bay by a length.

Easterby solidified his position as leading rider of the day when former hurdler Greensalt put his racecourse experience to good use to win the Open Maiden. Young QC was held by two lengths with Filbert Fox six lengths further back in third.

Gray Wolf River took the closing Young Horse Short Maiden by six lengths from Freddy Coole. Winning trainer Neil Mechie said: "She got a bit lonely out in front but really ran on after she jumped the last.

"She’s only small but very tough and we might consider a career under rules for her.”

Sinnington Hunt stage the next Yorkshire meeting at Duncombe Park, in Helmsley, on February 14.