AFTER four miles and one furlong, less than half a length separated the first three home in the feature Grimthorpe Gold Cup, part of the Middleton Point to Point, held at Whitwell on the Hill on Sunday of last week.

One of the most exciting finishes in the race for many years saw the Brader's Duchess Account (Middleton) finish a short head in front of Mike Sowersby's Ask Bobby who, in turn, was a neck in front of the Brooks' Pickachu Blue.

All three horses were always well-placed but the Guy Brewer- ridden Ask Bobby looked to have pinched a decisive advantage when two lengths clear at the second last.

At the final fence, the consistent Pickachu Blue, ridden by Henry Brooke, was a length down on the leader with Duchess Account, ridden by Emma Brader, two lengths further back.

Halfway on the run in, Pickachu Blue got to within half a length of Ask Bobby, while still two lengths down Duchess Account still appeared to have too much to do; but the mare dug deep and found extra, galloping on strongly the mare got up to lead on the line from Ask Bobby and Pickachu Blue.

Runner-up Guy Brewer was one of three jockies who rode two winners at the meeting. He started the day riding the unfancied Madison De Vonnas (J Kibble/Middleton) to victory in the Members. The Freya Hartley- trained horse showed much improved form and shot five lengths clear at the second last.

Galloping on to the line in good style, he had opened up an eight-length lead at the line.

The only horse that briefly threatened him was the Cherry Coward-trained Buy Onling, ridden by Jacqueline Coward, the seven-year-old pulled ten lengths clear of the rest, but failed to land a blow on the winner.

Brewer completed his double when the Mary Sowersbytrained The Artful Fox (E Verity/ Holderness) won the Restricted.

The seven-year-old led at the second last, where Elaine Smith's Quinta De Lobo started to rally. Ridden by Richard Smith, he got to within a length of The Artful Fox at the final fence. In a good battle to the line The Artful Fox held on for a half-length win.

First of Jacqueline Coward's two winners came in the Conditions race on Cherry Coward's Narciso (Middleton). The Lynne Ward-trained and ridden Wilfie Wild showed a welcome return to form in this race.

Wilfie Wild made much of the running and led approaching the second last, after jumping the fence, Narciso drew level and showing an impressive turn of foot kept on well to the line to beat Wilfie Wild by four lengths.

The veteran Glenelly Gale, another from Cherry Coward's stable stayed on too take third two lengths further back under Tom Greenall.

Second leg also completed a double for trainer Cherry Coward.

Southern Classic (Middleton) led for most of the last half mile and held the strong finish of Out To Lunch, who was ridden by Ian Smith to win the First Division of the Maiden.

First of two Oliver Greenall winners came in the Intermediate Race. Eric Brook's Network Oscar (Middleton), from David Easterby's yard completed a three-timer. Network Oscar was in command from the second last and won by six lengths.

David Brydon's Brown's Beck ran a fine race, staying on well for second under Stephen Charlton.

Owner, trainer and jockey completed their double's when Lord Gee won the Second Division of the Maiden.

The 2m 4f Maiden saw two very promising youngsters battle it out. Richard Burridge's five-year-old Flaco (Sinnington) quickened up in good style to win for Mark Walford. Second place went to Robin Tate's Chummy's Double, who showed an even more impressive turn of foot, coming from well back under John Townson to take second.

On Saturday the Bedale Point to Point takes place at Hornby Castle, first race 1.30pm.