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Opener prep
for rich autumn
Engagements
, By Betsy Parker
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
SPERRYVILLE — Providing a preview of the lucrative sanctioned timber stakes circuit this fall, Saturday’s Thornton Hill Hounds Ppint-to-Point turned into a jumping showcase. , The open timber feature brimmed with luminaries, headed by last year’s winner Fields of Omagh, who used the score as stepping-stone to International Gold Cup victory fiye weeks later.
Two-time Pennsylvania Hunt Cup winner Dr. Ramsey also lined up for the 2 1/2-mile prep, as did three saddled by veteran trainer Richard Valentine — Loughbeg Rambler, Te Akau Five and High Watermark. At the wire, though, recent timber convert Father Paul overshadowed the star-studded field.
Father Paul dragged rider Robbie Walsh away from the start to lead by the first, holding steady as the closely bunched group circled the steeply rolling Thornton Hill Farm course
“He didn’t quite settle,” said an understated Walsh, 30, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland. “I think the smaller fences and the downhill runs got him a little revved. He’s got quite an engine.” Father Paul, 8, is a son of sprint record holder Binalong, from the speed family of In Reality. ’ Fields of Omagh loomed closest in the early running, with Dr. Ramsey and Loughbeg Rambler just behind.
Tom Foley, who came out of a short-lived retirement to race this fqll, moved Fields of Omagh to challenge with a half-mile to go as the leaders jumped the second-last. Walsh said that Father Paul seemed to get a second wind with the fresh challenge. He said trainer Janet Elliot had actually been uncertain “if the horse would get the distance,” longer in timber races than hurdle races.
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