A REPUTATION for the highest quality racing is not always easy to maintain, but organisers of Berkeley Point-to-Point are giving it their best shot.

A total 186 of the best horse and rider combinations have been entered for Saturday’s meeting at Woodford, although for the first time in a great many years there will be no Dick Baimbridge runner in the Members.

The Berkeley trainer and 17-time winner has, however, been hard at work helping the organisers keep the course watered and the going good after the recent spell of dry weather.

Berkeley jockey Polly Gundry is currently the leading UK rider, so success for Tom Bach would be well received by the locals, as would a win by another local lady, Clare Allen.

Slad trainer Sophie George has entered Peter Slip, who has to be one for the shortlist, and Tim Sage trained in the hills around Kingscote near Dursley, so this course should hold no fears for William Somers in the Restricted or Mytabean in the Intermediate.

Jacko’s Lad, Mr Nagle, Port Talbot and Run for Churchdown will be hard to beat in the Restricted, but keep a watchful eye on New Series who will appreciate these conditions.

The Intermediate has attracted 24 entries and on recent form Hemington will probably start favourite, but it may pay to give Curradoon a chance.

Fleur de Nikos and Coombe Hill come from two in-form stables so they must go well in the Ladies, but Mighty Strong is a confirmed front runner.

Whizzaar looks the pick on form in the men’s Open, and Emandems looks sure to give a good account of himself in the Maiden, while other horses to watch out for in this event include Northern Season and Leadbrook Lad.

In addition to a complete card of races there are all the usual facilities of bookmakers, bar and catering facilities, a full range of trade stands and entertainment for young and old.

Organiser Henry Berkeley commented: “The Point to Point is a great day out for all the family whether you are a horse racing fan or just want to bring a picnic and relax in the beautiful Berkeley Vale Countryside.”

The first race is at 2pm although people are welcome to arrive from midday. The racecourse is in Woodford, on the A38 a couple of miles north of M5 junction 14 (Falfield). Admission is £15 for a car and driver and then £5 per person after that. Pedestrians and cyclists £5.