Going: Firm, hard in a few places

Restricted	Courtesy of the three mile queue to get into Storrington the site editor only arrived as Tim Underwood on Mister Pepper (1/3 fav.) was crossing the line a couple of lengths ahead of Justin Morgan on the only other runner,Wise Examiner (5/4). Since, once Storrington had been reached there was no queuing to get into the racecourse, can anybody tell the site editor if this long queue to get into the village is a regular Saturday occurrance?
Confined	There were only two runners again in the Confined. Three weeks of unusually dry and warm weather in March following a meeting at which the ground had become terribly cut up producing very few people prepared to risk running their horses. On current form Rustic Revelry (Phil York) was made 1/4 fav. with the other runner - Tidal Reef (Justin Morgan) at 3's. One thing that the favourite doesn't like is to make his own running - and Justin clearly had instructions not to help. Rustic Revelry made a number of mistakes and both horses were in with a chance as they jumped the last together. Justin's mount just held off the 'final fling' challenge of the favourite to give the rider his first victory.
Ladies Open	Nearly Gold (up from the west country) was the only horse declared. Hannah Grissell did the honours.
Mens Open	Having returned to the winners enclosure after what he clearly thought was the easiest race of the life Nearly Gold must have wondered what he had done wrong as his connections stuck another stone in the saddle and promptly chucked him back out on the course again. This time with Nick Mitchell up he started 1/2 fav. of the three runners that were declared. Chief Chippie (David Dunsdon) was at 3's whilst at 6's was Solo Gent (also up from the West Country). Chief Chippie was the first to crack, half a circuit from home. Turning for home the favourite was clearly in control for a Ladies/Mens Open double.
Club Members	Useful looking recruit Star Glow (Phil York) 1/4 fav. was looking to win his fifth race from six races. The only opponent to stand in his way was the 14 year old Graphic Designer ridden by Chris Gordon (2/1). For the second time of the day Philip found himself on an odds-on favourite that does not like making the running - and with an opponent who had no intention of giving him a lead. The first circuit and a half was run at a crawl - the commentator came close to having to read aloud the shipping forecasts to avoid dropping off to sleep. That didn't seem to mind some 'spectators' - there seemed to be another competition going on in various parts of the car park - to prove that it possible to fit a eleven course meal to feed 20 people, including tables, chairs and even a waitress in the back of a Range Rover. Anyway - in the sprint to finish poor Philip got turned over again.
Hunt	Three lined up for the Hunt race - Rush N Tear (Nigel Benstead) being made the 4/5 favourite in front of Half Moon Spinney (backed in from 4's to 5/2) under David Dunsdon with the outsider of three being Ivory Coaster (Russell Ross) at 3's. The three of them went round together at a reasonable pace for the first two miles with Half Moon Spinney doing most of the early leading. Shortly after Ivory Coaster dropped off from the leading pair the favourite took up the lead and it was a procession from there.
Miaden	The day finished with the biggest field of the day for the maiden - an enormous field of four lining up here. Sharing favouritism in the end were Spring Gold (from the West Country) with knowledge of what the finishing post looks like and the novice Tom Barry from the normally successful yard of Phil York - both available at 6/4 in the end. On this occasion experience came off best as another cup headed off west. Two Of Diamonds (David Dunsdon 100/30) was second and the outsider Kniveniven (Chris Thomson 10/1) edging out the other joint fav. for third.

A thought - only 16 runners (not including the walkover) - but, unless I am mistaken somewhere down the line - 16 completers!

Year 2003 Fixture List