Sunday 25th November saw the start of the point-to-point season for Team Hill, at the picturesque yet rather chilly Barbury Castle! Taking just one runner the team may have been able to relax, but it wasn't just any runner! With an astonishing 75% strike rate last season, Hawkhurst has a reputation to uphold, so no one could relax just yet! Having established a two-from-two record on the gelding last season at Ampton & Kingston Blount, and newly retired Joe Hill no longer an option, reigning ladies champion Gina Andrews was the obvious option for the ride. Jumping off in the four runner race as hot 1/4 favourite can be exciting yet a little pressured, but as Big Al always says "the horse doesn't know he's favourite so don't ride him any other way"! Hawk travelled strongly, taking a keen hold throughout the race and jumped brilliantly on ground that suited him perfectly. Coming to the ditch along the back straight on the final circuit, Gina moved up to take up the running, before cruising clear and going on to win by an official 8 lengths! It was extremely pleasing to see the horse run so well and win on his first outing of the season, and most importantly to have a happy horse in good order! Gina executed the ride perfectly, allowing the horse an easy win on the bridle. We will look for a race over the festive period for Hawk, and it's great to start the season with a win for the yard! Roll on 2018/19!
A Word From The Assistant Trainer
"I'm absolutely delighted with Hawkhurst's performance on Sunday. His home work has been as good, if not better than last year so we were hopeful of a good display and he duly obliged; he jumped fantastically and never came off the bridle. Hopefully we can look towards Cottenham at the end of December for his next run as he currently has a one-from-one record at the course. It was great to get the season started with a winner and even better to see the little horse win as easily as he did, as that will do his confidence no end of good!"
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