Gina’s double

And it was a significant day for jockey Gina Andrews, who achieved a notable double.

First of all Gina rode track favourite Kalabaloo to victory in the Ladies’ Open race, and then later in the day followed it up with a winning ride on Black Jasper in the Open Maiden feature race, which carried a £500 bonus and had the biggest entry of the day.

Overnight rain had softened the ground at Ratcheugh, for what was the third of four Northern Point-to-Point meetings at the north Northumberland track this winter.

But the weather failed to deter spectators who despite the damp conditions underfoot enjoyed a six race card on a course where fences had been moved to fresher ground after two earlier meetings.

Other winners on the day included:the highly fancied Rio Des Echanault under Nick Orpwood, who led the field home in the Restricted race.

The Hunt Members’ race was won by Matthew Man under C Alexander; the Conditions 5 years and over went to Afterclass, with C Wadge in the saddle; and the Men’s Open saw Matt’s Commission with J Teal at the rein.

The next meeting in the Northern Point-to-Point season is at Corbridge on Sunday, February 23 whilst racing returns to Ratcheugh for the College Valley and North Northumberland Hunt meet on Sunday, March 8. The Morpeth meet will be held at Tranwell on Sunday, April 5.