Point to point steeplechasing is said to have begun some 250 years ago as a means of keeping horse and riders fit during the time of the year when there was no active hunting. When the sport came to South Pembrokeshire, is not known for sure, but the evidence says that the Easter Monday event at Lydstep now has few equals. Supporters, including whole families, travel hundreds of miles each year to attend and it is always noticeable that there are several foreign cars in the parking areas. On a lovely day, with ideal racing conditions, the crowds again poured in last Monday, attracted by the thrills and excitement of some of the best horse races in West Wales. From the high ground at the popular Lydstep course, spectators are afforded a fantastic view of most of the fences and many always bring a picnic along with a few bottles with which (hopefully) to toast their winnings. The course was considered to be good and some really thrilling racing was seen on the seven-event card, with a couple of breathtaking finishes holding the attention. The pony chases that concluded the programme also created plenty of excitement. Irish-bred horses featured prominently in the winners enclosure and several local owners were well-pleased with the way that their entries performed. Favourite rider John Mathias claimed the winners flag with three of his mounts and another skilled local jockey, Jodie Hughes, also had two wins. West Wales Point to Point Association chairman, Vernon Beynon, of Clynderwen, expressed great sadness at the death a month ago of Mr. Ambrose Lloyd who, in addition to being a former chairman and secretary of the stewards committee, had been a very faithful supporter of all meetings over a period of many years. Winners: Members - Millenary Magic (Jodie Hughes) 3-1, 3 ran. Maiden (4, 5, 6 and 7-year-olds) - Dream Bolt (John Mathias) 11-10f, 8 ran. Ladies, Open - Pathian Prince (Jodie Hughes) 10-4, 4 ran. Open Maiden - Myoran Oscar (John Mathias) 5-4f, 9 ran. Men's Open - Changing Lanes (John Mathias) 5-4, 2 ran. Intermediate- Dbode (G Gibbs) 4-1, 3 ran. Restricted - Grianan Fidh (R Leyshon) 1-5f, 2 ran (one finished). Point to Point racing returns to Lydstep next Sunday (April 27) for the joint Tivyside and Carmarthenshire Hunts event and, looking further ahead, the Pembrokeshire Hunt Steeplechases are at Trecoed, near Fishguar