THERE was local success at the former Ledbury point-to-point now known as the Gloucester Races and Country Fair at Maisemore Park.

Watched by crowds of more than 6,000 Dymock owner Clive Bennett finally achieved his goal of winning the mixed open at his home meeting when Iberico proved too strong for Grandturgeon in the closing stages of the Timico-sponsored event.

There was little between Ice Cool Benny, Valliant Creek and Iberico for the first mile-and-a-half before Sam Jukes drove Iberico into the lead as they went out onto their final circuit.

The 11-year-old responded gamely to his partner’s urgings although Grandturgeon looked dangerous as he mounted his challenge around the final bend.

As they straightened up for the judge Iberico took command and Alex Edwards had no option but to wave the white flag on the runner-up between the final two fences.

The winner returned to a tumultuous reception and Bennett said: “I’m happy. Just look at this crowd. The ground has helped him.

"He has had a history of back problems so Sam has gone back to basics with him.

"He is unlikely to go to Cheltenham for the Timico final as we don’t want to over extend him now we have got his jumping resolved.”

Jukes said: “He did it easily and I am so pleased for Clive and Eileen who have been trying to win here for 20 years.

"I decided to kick on down the back straight as I wanted to get first run on Grandturgeon and I know my horse stays.

"This has been the goal for the entire season.”

Local jockey James Ridley trained the winner of the restricted race for Longdon owners Neil Griffiths and Heather Haddock.

Ten runners faced the starter with Ridley's Cuirassier Dempire a popular choice with punters.

Balkinstown made the bulk of the running and was still in front half-a-mile from home where he held a narrow advantage over Vinnewhitefoot, Dr Anubis and the favourite.

As they turned into the straight Cuirassier Dempire quickened past his rivals but had to be driven out on the flat to hold off the late challenge of Midnight Harry.

Cuirassier Dempire started his career with the Laceys and won a Coldharbour Maiden when in their care and subsequently finished third in a Worcester hurdle in December.

Tom and Sophie Lacey look to have unearthed another potential star in Blackbow who showed admirable battling qualities to land the two-and-a-half-mile maiden under Tommie O’Brien.

Purchased at Tattersalls Ireland in June 2016 the Woolhope-trained gelding looks a likely candidate for the Goffs-sponsored point-to-point bumper at Aintree.

Royal Riviera won for Eastnor trainer Nickie Sheppard in the members race.

RESULTS

2-1/2 mile Maiden: 1st Blackbow T O’Brien 2-1, 2nd Canelo, 3rd Gnarly.

Conditions – Division I: 1st Old Pride A Edwards 5-2, 2nd Man from Seville, 3rd Best Director.

Conditions – Division II: 1st Le Bacardy S Williams 5-2, 2nd Well Mett, 3rd Ballyburke.

3 mile Maiden: 1st Cardinal Tom J King 10-1, 2nd Lake Balaton, 3rd Swiss Heights.

Mixed Open: 1st Iberico S Jukes 5-1, 2nd Grandturgeon, 3rd Ice Cool Benny.

Intermediate: 1st Moral Hazard J King 5-2, 2nd Northgeorge, 3rd Packettotherafters.

Restricted: 1st Cuirassier Dempire T O’Brien 5-2, 2nd Midnight Harry, 3rd Balkinstown.

Members: 1st Royal Riviera E Bailey 3-1, 2nd Chasforgold, 3rd Nickname Exit.