SUNDAY’S Cotswold Vale Farmers point-to-point at Andoversford focused on races confined to novice or veteran riders and allowed two riders to score their first successes.

Tora Bora’s departure at the 13th in the Members’, left It’s Like That in front with Coln Rogers’ Mark Wall and Twill Stand To Us breathing down their neck.

The favourite was asked for his effort as they met the rising ground but the champion jockey did not get the response he was expecting.

Brian Cullinane was sitting motionless on It’s Like That who had no difficulties retaining his advantage over the final obstacle.

Cullinane, 21, was enjoying his first success from 15 rides, a majority of which have been in his native Ireland, although he is now based at Jonjo O’Neill’s yard at Jackdaws Castle.

Rachel Talbot also recorded her first success. The 26-year-old rider took Ilongue to the front from the start of the Ladies Open and the horse jumped brilliantly throughout.

Having finished second in the Members’, Mark Wall was hoping to go one better on Silver Man in the Maiden, but fate conspired against him. The favourite had the race at his mercy when he attempted to duck out on the run-in and unseated his rider, which left Northern Silver to benefit from his rival’s misfortune.

The winner runs in the colours of the Robin Raceline Syndicate and trainer Sarah Jayne Davies was quick to praise the part that Glenn Davies had played in this victory.

He had been a founder member of the syndicate and had brought the horse from its breeder but unfortunately had passed away 10 days prior to the horse’s win.

The Dodson and Horrell Novice Riders’ race saw Soulard finish alone after being left well clear when his rival Gentle Duke fell at the last.

Archie Bellamy and Brimham Boy looked poised to cause an upset in the Men’s Open, but Sean Bowen on the favourite Bobs Law were toying with the opposition and quickened into a clear lead around the final bend.