The new season of point to point steeplechasing in West Wales continued in excellent form last weekend with well over 60 runners, including the ponies, on the nine-race card at Erw Lon.

The hilltop course has the advantage of drying out quickly, even after some appalling weather, but a number of meetings across the country had to be cancelled several days earlier.

The going was noticeably soft in places and two fences on the home straight of the three-mile course were taken out, leaving just 12 (instead of 18) to be cleared.

Local trainers were again prominent, achieving some very good results as the stamina of the chasers was put to the test, particularly so in a number of close finishes.

It was really Pembrokeshire jockey John Mathias's day riding three winners, with Rhys Hughes bagging a brace. Chloe Roddick and Ruth Birt- Llewellin also rode winners.

Best odds achieved by the punters were in the Men's Open and both of the Open Maidens.

The next scheduled meeting in this area is that of the Tivyside Hunt who return to their Cilwendeg course at Boncath tomorrow (Saturday).

Results:

POINT TO POINT

Members and Farmers (sponsored by Well Drilling (UK) Ltd., and 3A's Leisure): 1. Pelennor (Rhys Hughes) 7-4 on; 2. Pussigny (Jessica Jones); 3. Last Symphony (Dai Jones). Five ran.

Men's Open (Luther Lewis (Drefach) Ltd., L. H. Phillips and Co, Robert Boyt and Co, Star Forge): 1. Makena (John Mathias) 7-2; 2. Balearic Star (Paul Tolman); 3. Alfabet Souk (James Hooper). Six ran.

Intermediate (Red Mills Ltd): 1. Oca de Thaix (John Mathias) 5-2; 2. Crofton (Josh Harris); 3. Banbury Babe (Ben Poste). Seven ran.

Ladies Open (Garland's Event Catering): 1. Warsaw Pact (Chloe Roddick) 7-4 on; 2. Naughty by Nature (Lucy Jones). Five ran, two finished.

Restricted (Castell Howell Foods Ltd): 1. Rith Rob (John Mathias) 2-1 on; 2. Farnoque (Dai Jones); 3. Duggan's Forge (Paul Tolman). Nine ran.

Open Maiden, mares only (Iwan Thomas): 1. Princesse de Rome (Rhys Hughes) 3-1; 2. Bunny McDougall (Natyhan Deakin); 3. Little Miss Monty (Emily Farr). Twelve ran.

Open Maiden, horses and geldings (Malcolm Herbert Tool Hire): 1. Mr Who (Ruth Birt- Llewellin) 3-1; 2. O'Rage (Richard Wonnacott); 3. Willottie (Emily Farr). Eleven ran.

PONY RACING

138cm (13.2hh and under): 1. Oscar (Jordan Williams); 2. Little Orchid (Lorcan Williams); 3. Tealson Topic (Rhiannon Mason). Four ran.

148cm (14.2hh and under): 1. Chucka (Robert Williams); 2. Along Came Belle 9Connor Flint); 3. Tommy's Girl (Jordan Williams). Five ran.