THE Minehead and West Somerset point to point at picturesque Holnicote on Saturday has attracted an entry of 63, writes Kirsty Boutflow.

The first race is at 2.35pm and the course is signed from the A39 between Minehead and Porlock – TA24 8TE. Early bird ticket prices via www.pointingwessex.co.uk (accompanied under 16s are admitted free) are available online or on the gate.

A family dog show will be held in the upper carpark from 2.30pm while the racing is preceded at 1.30pm by the Oliver Price charity race run in memory of him in support of the Air Ambulance UK, Exmoor Search & Rescue and Minehead Middle School.

The first race, a Maiden race is sponsored by East Lynch Stud and Josh Newman has 2 of the 10 entries, both making their debuts for the stable having been purchased in Ireland. He does well with these ex-Irish pointers and both are of interest having run with credit over there. Diamonds and Denim finished a fair second on his third start and is out of a prolific winner under Rules in Alpine Breeze while 4 year old Crystal de France has only had one run, finishing 4th.

The PPORA Molland Ridge Stud and Rehabilitation Novice Riders Conditions race has 9 entries including highest rated, Ninth Wave who has struck up a good partnership with Jack Stenhouse.

A competitive Mixed Open race is sponsored by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Racing and of the 9 entries, Josh Newman has Hearts Corner and Important Notice entered in his bid to secure a National Trainers title. The former is unbeaten in four runs this season including last time at Flete Park while his other entry, Important Notice, a nephew of the late, great Denman, unseated in a hunter chase at Stratford following two wins at Trebudannon.

Luke Price also has two entered; Inchidaly Robin who comes here fresh from a bloodless victory at South Hill and Lavorante who is 10 from 19 for the yard including 4 this season.

An entry of 10 in the Conditions race sponsored South West Farrier Ltd sees both Getaway Drumlee and Joly Maker double entered but of the others not mentioned, Galudon resumed winning ways at Parham following an unseat at Penshurst, adding to his wins at Cotley and Buckfastleigh.

The Harold Scott Memorial Restricted has 16 entries and Luke Price has a couple entered. Eco Pete won a bumper in Ireland and was placed 5 times over hurdles while his other entry, Mr Bezi won 2 races for the yard in 2024 but has possibly been fragile only appearing twice since, falling on both occasions.

Riskamatriark beat Suvla Bay at Dunsmore and the second, who re-opposes here, then went on to win at Stafford Cross next time. Dreamaboutit also faces Thief of the Night who she beat at Flete last time while Josh Newman’s trio, Diamonds and Denim (also in the maiden), Dance Ifyoucan and Ghost Jury should be considered.

The Porlock Bay Oysters Intermediate has 9 entries and concludes the racing with some progressive types. Those include Dollanstown who hacked up in a Restricted at Cotley following wins at Cherrybrook and Badbury Rings earlier in the season for trainer Will Biddick. Will also has Far Out West who downed Ninth Wave at Cothelstone before getting overturned herself at Stafford Cross by Clonagoose.