LOCAL trainers and riders may have been held up by the recent freeze, but it certainly didn’t reflect in their performances last weekend.

Shobdon-based trainer Steve Flook sent out the first winner of the prestigious two-day PPORA meeting at Barbury Castle when Gentle George made all to win a competitive Intermediate.

The six-year-old handled the testing conditions well under Richard Burton, while Maz Scudamore’s improving youngster, Mr Goofy, finished a good third with Jeremy Mahot.

The combination were also responsible for Worship The Stars, who finished a creditable third in the Men’s Open the following day in worsening conditions.

An incredible 20 good class runners went to post in the Mixed Open at the Wiltshire course, but it was Wickford, ridden by Adrian Wintle and trained at Sellack by Caroline Griffiths, who battled clear at the line.

Owned by Lt Col Charles Crewdson, the 10-year-old is well thought of and was purchased with the Military races at Sandown in mind.

Further west, at Black Lodge, near Exeter, Mark Jackson was celebrating a win on his first ride back after three years of being sidelined with serious leg injuries.

Drom, owned by a syndicate of seven Worcestershire men, and trained by Paul Davies at Munderfield, drew clear of his opposition in the final maiden event to justify favouritism.

“I ride Drom out every day,” related Mark, jubilantly. “And Paul encouraged me to get my rider’s certificate this year as he has 18 horses in training.

“It’s good to be back in the winner’s enclosure!”

The first point-to-point in the Welsh Border Area will be at Whitwick Manor, Lower Eggleton on Saturday, February 21, when the usual bumper card of races is expected, beginning at midday.