IT WAS a dream debut for Odiham teenager Simon Bowdler and his new pony Minnie as they won the pony race at the first Hackwood Park Point-to-Point meeting of the season.

The 13-year-old Robert May’s School pupil was delighted to win the seven furlong race in what was his first outing on Minnie.

Once again, the day’s racing at Hackwood Park attracted a bumper crowd and Page Fuller enjoyed a winning double.

The 19-year-old steered odds-on favourite, 15-year-old That’s Rhythm, to a comfortable win in the Knight Frank Ladies Open.

A jubilant Fuller said: “That was our 14th win together. For his age, he is quite remarkable and there is a race or two more for him before the season ends.”

Fuller completed her double in the Aga Restricted on Carrigkerry, but had to pull out all the stops to beat Tandori by a length.

Local leading rider and trainer Philip York was absent from the Hackwood changing room for the first time for many years due to a tumble last week.

He still enjoyed the winning feeling as he saddled Conna Cloud to win the Ward Thomas Removals Maiden by a length from Crockery.

James Tudor took over the riding duties for the York-trained winner.

Hugh Nugent rode his first winner on Fiasco in the Night Nannies Maiden run over two-and-a-half-miles, but he had to sweat before the judge called him the winner by a short head from Fair Lucky.

Only two turned out for the Quilter Cheviot Club Members, as Mnason beat Sona Sasta by seven lengths.

The opening race was void after all three runners failed to finish in the Hattingley Valley Members Race Chairman Charlie Corbett was delighted with the attendance, estimated to be well into four figures, and said: “We benefitted from the sponsorship of NFU Mutual and hope to welcome them again next year.”

The second and last meeting of the season at Hackwood Park is on Monday, April 6.