Despite an overcast sky and a little intermittent drizzle, the South Pembrokeshire Hunt Point to Point, held at Lydstep on Easter Monday, was again another outstanding success. Probably a record crowd of supporters and enthusiasts turned up in their thousands from across South Wales and the West Country for this major attraction, the largest sporting event of the year in Pembrokeshire. Knowledgeable secretary Jan Mathias, of Norchard, had rightly anticipated that this excellent steeplechase course, created almost 50 years ago, would be in fine fettle for the event and with over 60 eventual runners in the eight steeplechase events, and over £2,500 in prize money, the excitement was quite intense throughout. She expressed the appreciation and debt of gratitude which her committee owed to the many generous sponsors who ensured the financial success of these races. The Members' race, first on the card, was delayed for 20 minutes while Carl's Boy, ridden by Paul Sheldrake, had a shoe refitted. Ironically this nine-year-old locally owned gelding ran out after the fourth fence, but was an easy 6-1 winner when run again in the last race on the card. With three successes, jockey Tim Vaughan was the punters friend, and Dai Jones won impressively on the odds-on favourite Cannon Bridge, but West Wales lady riders are also a force to be reckoned with, as Charlotte Owen, Jodie Hughes and Lucy Rowsell all rode winners and talented Isabelle Tompsett came close more than once. A highly entertaining end to the afternoon's programme were the first races for young riders in Wales who have hunted or been involved in pony club. After proudly being photographed before the start of each of the two races, these keen youngsters - aged from nine to 15 years - were loudly encouraged and cheered on by family and friends as their ponies gave their all - and Bradley Gibbs, winner of the first race on Charlie, skilfully dismounted in Frankie d'Torie style. Officials: chairman - Eryl Llewellyn; stewards chairman - Dennis Reed; clerk of the course - David John; starter - M. Eynon; judge - Gwyn Williams. Results:

STEEPLECHASES

Members (sponsored by Owen & Owen, Pembroke): 1. Beasley (Charlotte Owen) 4-5 on fav.; 2. Tarbuck (Dai Jones); 3. Cedar Broom (Jodie Hughes). Four ran. Maiden (Bucaneer Inn, Tenby): (i) 1. La Griffe (Tim Vaughan) 4-1; 2. Wiston Wizzo (Isabelle Tompsett); 3. Clarice Starling (Dai Jones). (ii) 1. Master Ginger Pop (James Tudor) 3-1 jf; 2. Eastwood Drifter (Lucy Rowsell); 3. Gotham Abbey (Mark Barber). Ten ran. Ladies Open (Sinclair VW): 1. Longstone Boy (Jodie Hughes) 5-4; 2. Laurel Seeker (Fiona Wilson); 3. Batchworth Lock (Charlotte Owen). Open Maiden, five to seven- year-olds (Swallow Tree Gardens): 1. She's Little Don (Lucy Rowsell) 10-1; 2. Roeshan (Tim Vaughan); 3. Saddler's Cruiser (James Tudor). Thirteen ran. Men's Open (S G Mercedez): 1. Cannon Bridge (Dai Jones) 4-6 on fav.; 2. Doc Ryan (Tim Vaughan); 3. Derring Dove (Mark Barber). Nine ran. Intermediate (Welsh Game Fair): 1. Make It Easy (Tim Vaughan) 5-1; 2. Minsgill's Man (James Tudor); 3. Tigersun (Dai Jones). Seven ran. Restricted (Homeleigh Developments): 1. Carl's Boy (Paul Sheldrake) 6-1; 2. Hot Brandy (Tim Vaughan); 3. Daisy's Choice (Isabelle Tompsett). Nine ran.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Leading rider: Tim Vaughan; Hunt member- Charlotte Owen. Fastest winner: Eric Clough and Dorothy Harries (Longstone Boy); also Hunt member's prize. Hunt member's best turnout: Chris Williams.

PONY CLUB RACES

Under 13.2 hh, Open (Vallen Farm Cottages): 1. Charlie (Bradley Gibbs); 2. Crosswell Rolls Royce (Harry Humphrey); 3. Heatherton Mischief (Isabell Meyrick). Eight ran. Under 14.2 hh, Open (Starre Gorse Farm Caravan Park): 1. Orielton Catrin (Alan Johns); 2. Coedfryn Charlie Ddu (Matthew Barber); 3. Sillogue Silvie (John Mathias). Five ran. The next Point to Point fixture is the Llandeilo Farmers at Cilwendeg, near Boncath, tomorrow (Saturday).