The Pembrokeshire Hunt point to point races, attracted the usual large crowd for another popular end of season event last Saturday.

On a brilliant, but chilly June afternoon, enthusiastic racegoers from across South Wales were present in their hundreds in support of this annual occasion bringing together some of the best horses and riders in six exciting steeplechases over the excellent course at Trecoed farm, near Fishguard.

Local jockey John Mathias - runner-up for the national championship which ends this week - retained his recent superb form with two decisive wins, an achievement shared by another local jockey, Matthew Barber.

There was a particularly strong following for the Irish bred locally owned seven-year-old bay gelding, Joshella, joint favourite in the open maiden trained by Amber Griffiths which John successfully brought home from a field of 12 runners.

West Wales leading lady jockey, Jodie Hughes, was also true to form ending the season by winning the Ladies Open race for Mickey Bowen on his French bred nine-year-old brown gelding, Sir du Bearn. Mr. Bowen also won the Restricted Race with his nine-year-old Redbridge Revel under Richard Patrick. Results:

Hunt Members (sponsored by Vaughan's Electricals) - 1. Brideberry (Matthew Barber) 4-5f; 2. Anto Massini (Bob Hawkins). Four ran.

Restricted (Pembrokeshire Care) - 1. Redbridge Rebel (Richard Patrick) 3-1; 2. Captain Camelot (Nick Williams); 3. Welsh Design (Matthew Barber). Six ran.

Men's Open (Castlemorris Feeds) - 1. Desertmore View (John Mathias) 4-7f; 2. Mumble's Pier (Richard Patrick); 3. Cygnet (Peter Bryan). Eight ran.

Open Maiden (JCP Solicitors) - 1. Joshella (John Mathias) 6-4jf; 2. Article Clerk (K Hammer); 3. Ballet Marbleless (Mark Robinson); Twelve ran.

Ladies' Open (TBS Skip Hire) - 1. Sir du Bearn (Jodie Hughes) evens; 2. Watch The Birdie (H. Lewis); 3. Kimora (L. Marsh). Eight ran.

Intermediate (NFU Mutual) - 1. A Country Mile (Matthew Barber) 5-2; Commanche Conflict (P. Fuller); 3. Milled (Emma Moseley). Five ran.

The race card was completed with two keenly contested pony races.

The West Wales Area Point to Point dinner and awards presentation is to take place at Ffos Las Racecourse on Saturday, June 27, and the Pembrokeshire Hunt Show and Exemption Dog Show is scheduled for Kilbarth, near Haverfordwest, on Sunday, July 5.