PRESENTANDCORRECT’S victory in the Member's race at the Duke of Beaufort point-to-point proved the highlight in the sunshine at Didmarton on Saturday, writes Peter Mansell.

Now 14 years of age the winner has been racing competitively for the last 10 seasons but his Tetbury-based owner Tim Sage was concerned the 5lb weight concession to his rivals might prove his downfall.

Tim carries out judging duties at several West Midland fixtures but with Presentandcorrect running had to step down for this race to avoid a conflict of interest.

The favourite set the pace from the start, accompanied by Ruddy Article and their task was made easier when Cecile De Volanges attempted to refuse at the fourth fence and collided with What A Friend.

When they reappeared out of the dip with half a mile to run Ruddy Article had a narrow advantage but James King secured the vital inside berth on Presentandcorrect around the final bend.

Ruddy Article still seemed to be going the better approaching the last, but threw away whatever chance he had by wandering to his right on the run-in. The favourite meanwhile ran on straight as an arrow to finish well clear of his rival as they passed the post.

Sage was full of praise for King’s performance. “James rode an excellent race," he said. "It was a small field and he kept the horse interested which was difficult and he was always on the inside.” This ride earned James, who hails from Rodborough but is now based with Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat, the novice ride of the day award.

Presentandcorrect has now won 13 races since finishing runner-up on his debut in a Newbury bumper.

The Subaru Final is likely to feature on the future agenda of Mervyn Jones' North Ledbury-qualified Master Sunrise who took the Restricted race under Sam Drinkwater.

Rainbow Haze set the pace but the field began to bunch up on the downhill run to the 14th and when they reappeared Master Sunrise had improved his position and came through to dispute the lead at the third from home.

There was little between Briefcase and the favourite at the 17th but Darren Edwards' mount began to hang on the final bend, causing Master Sunrise to lose a couple of lengths.

The favourite nonetheless drew level with his rival at the last and sprinted clear.

Mervyn Jones has had some good horses over the years but this could turn out to be the best of them. Winning trainer Alistair Ralph said: “He will come on for that run, it’s only the third race of his life. We now have plenty of options and I’m very lucky to train him.”

The Novice Rider’s race was full of incident but the front running tactics employed by Matthew Hammond and Basil Fawlty looked like succeeding until the Stanton-trained gelding, a clear leader at the time, gave his rider no chance of remaining in the saddle with a mistake at the fourth from home.

Young Ed Bailey must surely win a race before too long judging by Royal Riviera’s performance in the three-runner Mixed Open. This partnership had a battle with Petit Lord for most of this contest before they were outstayed by their rival in the home straight.