Some would-be supporters considered the conditions were such that the South Pembrokeshire Hunt point to point steeplechases at Lydstep on Easter Monday would have to be called off due to the continuous rain.

The organisers, however, thought otherwise and chose to go ahead with the card as they have done despite the elements for the past 25 years when the event was last cancelled. The only disappointing aspect was that there was only about half the crowd that might have been expected normally.

The course had been watered during the week, but as things turned out this was unnecessary and the going was considered to be good and some really thrilling racing was seen and a couple of breathtaking finishes held the attention.

Mark Barber rode two winners and came second in another two other races but it was truly another day for local jockey, John Mathias - now back to full fitness - who claimed victory in the last three races.

John was on board the favourite in the first race, the Members, but became unseated at the fourth fence. The Ladies race, won by Charlotte Evans on the favourite, Mizzammon, was a particularly good race but the closest was the open Maiden with 13 runners and Mark Barber taking the flag from John Mathias by a short head.

Results:

Members: 1. Kingspark Boy (W. Mansell) 7-4; 2. Charango Star (P. Goldsworthy). Three ran, two finished.

Maiden (4, 5, 6 and 7-year-olds): 1. Minelli Brook (M. Barber) 2-1; 2, Allstar Night (J. Mathias); 3. Hazarose (M. Deakin). Nine ran.

Ladies, Open: 1. Mizzammon (C. Evans) 4-5 fav; 2. Cannon Bridge (H. Lewis); 3, Baren de Doc (L. James). Six ran.

Open Maiden: 1. Kimora (M. Barber) 3-1; 2. Duke of Croatia (J. Mathias); 3.Well Done (J. Underwood). Thirteen ran.

Men's Open: 1. Rose's Peacock (J. Mathias) 2-5 fav; 2. Iron Man (M. Bowen); 3. Ballearic Star (B. Gibbs). Six ran.

Intermediate: 1. Superman de la Rue (J. Mathias) 4-6 fav; 2. Moscow Barney (M. Barber). Four ran, two finished.

Restricted: 1. Two Shook Man (J. Mathias) 4-1; 2. Corner House (M. Barber); 3. Jimmy Bedney (Alan Johns). Six ran.

Although by now thoroughly soaked, a good number bravely remained for the three pony races at the end of the meeting.

Point to Point racing returns to Lydstep next Sunday (April 15) for the West Wales Area event and, looking further ahead, the Pembrokeshire Hunt Steeplechases are at Trecoed, near Fishguard on Saturday, June 2.