COOMBE Hill defied his 50/1 odds to land a thrilling Coronation Gold Cup for trainer-rider Charlotte Tizzard and her father Alan Tizzard in the United Services Point-to-Point meeting at Larkhill on Saturday.

Faced by a top-class 17-strong field, Charlotte drove Coombe Hill home ahead of Mustangsallyrally, Drybrook Bedouin and Southwestern after all four horses had jumped the last in close contention.

“I remember winning this race on Bookie’s Opinion 34 years ago,” said Alan.

“Coombe Hill was ready to run at Wadebridge in December, but then Charlotte cracked her ankle.

“There were no Ladies’ Opens to aim at, so we came here.

“He’s qualified for Cheltenham, but I imagine he’ll point-to-point for the rest of the season and he’ll probably go to Badbury Rings in a fortnight.”

It also proved a memorable day for in-form trainer Richard Barber, who recorded a treble to take his seasonal tally to eight from just three meetings.

Richard led off with Restricted winner Cappoquin, who jumped the last upsides Ackhurst (Darren Edwards) and went clear when his main rival pulled up lame on the run-in.

Jockey Ryan Mahon completed a double on Pezreuil, who held Maranach and Walter De Wodeland more comfortably than suggested by the official head verdict in the Intermediate.

Six-year-old debutant Garton Wood (Nick Williams) completed the Barber treble in the Maiden (Division One) despite jumping markedly to his left.

“He’s a half-brother to recent Wincanton winner Toby Jug and his owner, Des O’Connor (no, not the Des O’Connor), sent him to me about five months ago”, explained the winning trainer.

Mendip trainer Pat Bryant and jockey James Tudor combined for a double with Civil Disobedience (Restricted) and debutant Dovecote Wood (Maiden Division Two).

Civil Disobedience maintained his 100-per-cent record – two from two – in comfortable style under a patient ride.

“We hope he’ll keep progressing through the ranks and be good enough for Hunter Chases,” said owners Richard Mitford-Slade and Lucy Fielding-Johnson, who run the Pontispool Equine Sports Centre at Norton Fitzwarren.

Dovecote Wood, a son of champion hurdler Flakey Dove, eased home under another patient ride after Sonofvic blundered and ejected Ryan Mahon two out when holding every chance.

“He got very wound up in the lorry, so James rode him like that to relax him,” explained Sara Biggins.

“We bought him at the April 2008 Brightwells Cheltenham Sales as a three-year-old. Ken’s away at a rugby game today, but Richard (Mitford-Slade) gave him a commentary via the mobile phone!” 

Sussex raider Gold Heart (Nick Pearce) justified strong market support by storming clear after the second last in the Club Members’ race for the Earl Haig Cup.

“I bought him at Doncaster in May,” said Heathfield owner-trainer Caroline Holliday. “I hoped he would go well, but I would have been snookered if Simon Tindall and Nick hadn’t let me use their gallops during the cold spell. The South East season starts tomorrow and everyone has been asking me why I’m going to Larkhill. They’ll know now!”

Photo courtesy of John Beasley