MOST horse riders would jump at the chance to compete at the famous Cheltenham race course — and thanks to success on the point-to-point steeplechase circuit a man from Lamerton is on track to do just that. James Cole enjoyed a runaway success on seven year old Holly Walk at the Red Mills intermediate qualifier at Barbury Castle in Wiltshire, where they competed in a strong field. It was a superb effort by James, who romped home on the 25-1 outsider at the prestigious Owners and Riders' Association meeting near Malborough. The former Tavistock College pupil, who played football for Thistles U18s, Altarnun, and despite his busy schedule still turns out occasionally for Lamerton, was delighted with the win — it qualifies horse and rider for a place at the £7,000 Hunter Chase at Cheltenham on May 7. James, 26, is an owner/trainer/rider and has three other horses: Jolly Hopeful, Roy My Boy — named after the late landlord Roy Passmore at the Chichester Arms in Chillaton — and Two Wheel Drive. Holly Walk must be a very special horse to James because he and his partner Gemma named their six month old daughter Holly (Ann Rose) after the chestnut mare. Brought up in Yelverton, James comes from a farming family of equestrians — brothers Richard, Trevor and Simon are all competitive riders, along with sisters Amanda and Joanne and brother-in- law Lee Rowe. James told the Times: 'I just love the buzz of point- to-point. The win at Barbury Castle was a big leap for me as there was such a quality field and stiff competition.' Fresh from his triumph he took part in the Black Forest Lodge event on Sunday but Cheltenham now beckons for James and Holly Walk and the Lamerton rider will no doubt grasp the opportunity with both reins.
