RYALLS Court was bathed in sunshine for what could have been the final Croome and West Warwickshire point-to-point to be staged at the Worcestershire venue.

If this was its swansong, the large crowd was treated to some exciting finishes in Upton.

Three faced the starter in the members contest but, after the departure of Red Rouble, the race was between Gold Duster and favourite Sir Ollar.

Gold Duster held a two-length advantage at the final obstacle but Sir Ollar responded to Leo Mahon’s urgings and got up to win in the final 50 yards.

The win consolidated the rider’s lead in the jockeys’ title race and eased Hindlip’s Martin Weston clear of his rivals in the trainers’ equivalent.

Western Climate jumped far better than seven days previously at Maisemore Park and was taking the lead when he fell half-a-mile from home in the restricted contest.

The fall allowed Gett Off My Cloud to claim victory with no remaining rivals able to get within touching distance in the home straight.

This made it two wins in a week for the Axelle Wall-trained gelding, who is jointly owned by her husband Mark and neighbour Craig Hughes.

Mark Wall teamed up with the Worcester-based Zara Smith-trained Flea the Bar in the PPORA maiden race for mares and fillies.

The mare was always in the leading group before the experienced Wall asked her to lengthen her stride as they went out on to the second circuit.

She responded well and was seven lengths clear of her rivals by the 12th before extending the advantage throughout the final mile.

The AGA-sponsored mixed open attracted 12 runners and three were virtually inseparable at the finish.

John Smith-Maxwell elected to make the running on Ice Cool Benny and the partnership were still enjoying a clear lead at the last.

But his rivals got within touching distance as both Tash Seely on The Hollinwell and Emma Yardley on Kilmacallogue Bay ate into the leader’s advantage.

Ice Cool Benny had the running rail as an aid to help him in the final 100 yards with the other two horses running up the centre of the course.

Given the narrow margin of victory, this probably made the difference and landed the prize.

Successes for Sir Ollar and Ice Cool Benny provided Weston with a double.

RESULTS

Members: 1 Sir Ollar, L Mahon, 4-9 fav; 2 Gold Duster (only two finished). Three ran.

Restricted: 1 Gett Off My Cloud, Miss L Scott, 9-4; 2 U Me and Them (only two finished). Four ran.

Mares’ maiden: 1 Flea the bar, M Wall, 11-4; 2 L’Ane Fou; 3 Shes Dapper. Seven ran.

Mixed open: 1 Ice Cool Benny, J Smith-Maxwell, 5-2; 2 The Hollinwell; 3 Kilmacallogue Bay. 12 ran.

Conditions: 1 Ifonlyalfie, R Bradford, 4-1; 2 Ned the Post; 3 Presenting Paddy. Seven ran.

Intermediate: 1 Edgar Henry, J Andrews, 7-1; 2 Road West; 3 War Path. Four ran.

2½ mile maiden: 1 Super Charge, E Glassonbury, 7-4 joint favourite; 2 Mrs Trout; 3 Tumshie. Four ran.