Midlands Area Point-to-Point racing at Thorpe on Easter Monday

Horse racing returns to Thorpe on Easter Monday when it hosts the latest Midlands Area point-to-point fixture.

The South Notts Point-to-Point takes place at Thorpe Lodge (NG23 5PY) includes six races, starting at 13.30pm.

There will also be a dog show, ferret racing throughout the afternoon, a bouncy castle and slide, face painting, trade stands, catering outlets, and a bar.

The left-handed racecourse offers good viewing from the raised car parking area.

Among the races is a Ladies' Conditions race which has some excellent entries.

Volnay de Thaix, trained by Stuart Morris for Judy Wilson, is top-rated of the entries, with the Nick Pearce-trained Azzuri another with an excellent record.

Francesca Poste brings Champion Chase and Summer Sounds, Kelly Morgan trains Dream Conti for John Chatfeild-Roberts and Earlshill is another capable pointer for the Burton family.

The Intermediate is next, where Champion Chase also has an entry for Francesca Poste, but with a 5lb penalty.

Others with good chances is this one are Oval Street, trained by Nick Wright and ridden by son Archie; Teescomponents Boy, trained by Fiona Needham, and Sum It Up for Andrew Pennock. Luscious Lilly is a mare and gets a 7lb allowance in this one.

The Mixed Open, which follows, is the feature race of the afternoon with ten entries including Volnay de Thaix; Desire de Joie for Nick Wright; Badbad Leroy Brown from Stephen Wiles; Vinnie Lewis from the Kelly Morgan yard and Spider Web for Jon Barlow makes his point-to-point debut.

Santon looks to have a good chance in the Restricted race. Kelly Morgan trains this seven-year-old for John Chatfeild-Roberts and Meisha Micklewright takes the ride. Design Plan will be looking to challenge them for Hannah Darpoe, while Max Chenery’s Moonlight Escapade is improving.

Two Maiden races complete the card.

The first of these is for four and five year old runners and has entries that include Doctor Tom, trained by Kelly Morgan for John Chatfield-Roberts, and Just Four Fame, making the long trip from the Ledbury country for David Dennis. Taita Hills, The Borobudur and Vigilance are as yet unknown quantities between the flags.

The second maiden and last race of the day is for horses of six-years-old or older and has 12 possible runners.

The Chatfeild-Roberts family are once again represented, this time with Beauvallon Bay, one of two trained by Kelly Morgan, while the highest rated horse is Lift Me Up, trained by Sarah Case.

Classic Ruler is one of two from the Stuart Morris yard, and was second on their last run, while there are other entries trained by Mary Sowerby, Samantha Klug, Francesca Poste, Andrew Nicholls, Nicola Smith, Karen Clifton and Anne Rimell.

The dog show starts at 2pm, with a £1 entry fee at the ring. There are 11 classes, with something for every dog, a Championship and £50 grooming voucher from Maddy’s Mutts.

All access will be by payment on the gate. Adult entry is £12.50 (cash or card) with under-16s admitted free of charge.