United Services staging a point-to-point at Larkhill (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

United Services staging a point-to-point at Larkhill

THE United Services is staging its annual point-to-point at Larkhill Racecourse on Salis-bury Plain this Saturday.

An excellent day's racing is expected with 130 entries for the six-race card which begins at 12.30pm.

The highlight is the Coronation Gold Cup Mixed Open, one of the four national feature races held during the point-to-point season, which has attracted a high-class entry.

There is a 16-strong entry for the opening Club Members' race for the Earl Haig Cup.

Stable companions Beadnell Bay and Hawkers Hill will be supported, along with Strong Tea, a Larkhill specialist.

However, Ray Geddes and Richard Barber will be represented by Inigo Jones or Tales of Bounty, and their chosen runner is selected to maintain their terrific record in the Larkhill military races.

The EDS Coronation Cup has attracted a magnificent entry of 25, including Tales of Bounty and County Derry, who fought out the finish last season, 2003 winner Red Brook Lad, and Fair Wind, who just failed to get the verdict in the 2002 renewal.

The winning horse is eligible for the £5,000 Garrard Ladies Point-to-Point Champion Hunter Chase Final at Hereford on May 10.

A total of 32 is entered for the Restricted race, including Trade Off who won at Larkhill in January.

There are 15 in the Intermediate where the winner is eligible for the £5,000 Intermediate Point-to-Point Hunter Chase Final in Huntingdon on May 10.

Dragon's Dream, an effortless winner at the PPORA meeting at Barbury Castle in January, is in with a good chance, as is his stable companion Lord Anner, winner of two of his three 2004 outings, and Golden Rivet, second at Larkhill last month.

Two divisions of the Open Maiden complete the card.

The course is found just north west of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, and easily reached off the A303 or A345.