THE Wessex Area point to point season drew to a close on Wednesday night at Cothelstone and racegoers braved a strong wind and one sharp shower which sent them running for cover, writes Kirsty Boutflow.

Although not the strongest finish to what has been a successful season, there was some good racing including an exciting finish to the Novice Riders race, plus two trainers nervously counting points to see if they had emerged as overall winners in their categories for the Area Awards.

The highlight though came in the very last race when jockey Edd Kenney-Herbert proved that age or absence is no hindrance to draw the biggest cheers of the evening.

Not many jockeys would think about returning to race-riding at the age of 42 but for Edd Kenney-Herbert, age was never a consideration – but the thrill of “galloping over jumps” was. Having last race ridden 13 years ago, Edd decided to buy another hunter, and with the help of Lucy Mager and support of Kim Tripp sourced one from Sheila Lewis in the form of Beannaigh Do who had yet to win a race.

Combining hunting with team-chasing on the horse, Edd then felt a crack at running him in a point to point could be an idea and approached Lucy to train the horse. Making his pointing debut in the Maiden Conditions race, Beannaigh Do was unconsidered in the betting for this rather surprising team but Edd was not deterred and set out to make the running.

With the favourite, Granny Smith possibly feeling the effects of running back quickly, Down the Inner looked like he only had to jump the last to relieve Edd of the lead. But Beannaigh Do stuck his head down in a determined fashion and held on for a popular victory. A beaming Edd returned to the winner’s enclosure to much applause and said: “That was amazing!

“A massive thanks to Lucy, Kim and also Kate Jupp who has been helping me. I last rode a winner back in 2011 (two on Duxy Hill Lady) and this horse just does everything.”

Another jockey who doesn’t let age define them is 16 year old Lucas Murphy who showed in the Novice Riders race why he is the future when producing Clondaw Drake perfectly to win by a cosy half-length to give John and Sonia Gardener yet another winner on what has been an incredible season and could see them crowned National Champion owners as well as National Champion Horse, currently involved with both Clonagoose and Woodstock Octo who both sit at the top of the leaderboard.

Trainer Josh Newman too is leading his category in the trainer’s title and Kayley Woollacott said afterwards: “I just can’t believe how well it’s gone again this year. Last year was special but we couldn’t do it without such amazing owners like John and Sonia. They have supported us for such a long time and we are massively grateful to them for believing in us.”

Will Biddick may not be challenging for top honours yet nationally but he had his eyes firmly on the Wessex Larger trainer’s title and following a win with Far Out West plus a second with Son of Saratoga, he looks to have snatched it away from Chris Barber in what has been a very exciting climax to the season.

Far Out West looked none the worse for her outing only last Saturday at Holnicote when she gallantly lost out to stable companion Dollanstown. Gleaming in the intermittent sunshine, she bounced around the paddock, clearly pleased to be back at the sports. With only one opponent in Punches Cross, she merely had to stroll around to win the Conditions race causing owner Andy Pollard to remark: “That will set her up nicely for the second Bratton in ten days’ time.”

Will looked to have another good chance in the Maiden with Son of Saratoga but reckoned without Ed Vaughan on his father’s Doctor Glide who again made the running and although Son of Saratoga did head him at one stage and looked the likely winner, Doctor Glide used his experience to go back in front to win by ¾ lengths.

Afterwards Ed remarked: “He’s got loads of ability and it’s just a matter of catching him right. He is an older horse so that probably helped up against a four year old. I’d say he has a few quirks but he has battled well today and the other horse heading him probably gave him something to think about.”

Teresa Clark was another keeping tabs on the Wessex Trainers scores, herself a contender in the Smaller Trainer’s title. Again she brought out Ninth Wave who had run creditably against a strong Open race at Holnicote to finish third and he too loved the quick return to racing.

Ridden for the first time by the “Queen of Cothelstone” Lucy Mager in the Ladies Open, he dictated matters from rival Duc de Bourbon and easily saw him off for an emotional win for connections. This win puts him clear for the Greenslade Taylor Hunt trophy and although results have yet to be verified, it looks like the award will be heading to “Trev” as he is known at home.

Chris Barber too has had a great season and his mare Walkingtheline was far superior to her only rival to take the Restricted race by a fair margin under Ed Doggrell. Coming back into the winner’s enclosure, Ed said: “She just idles a bit in front and can make it harder for herself so a bit of company for longer would have helped.”

Chris explained: “She is frustrating as she has lots of ability but it has taken a while to figure her out. We now train her from the field as we did with Drumlee Spud last year and it has definitely helped her.”

He thanked owners Phil Fry and John Irish who had been such loyal supporters and he always enjoyed training a winner for them.