SHOWERS of hail failed to dampen the enthusiasm of riders and punters at Saturday's Lamerton Foxhounds point-to-point steeplechases at Kilworthy.
The favourites lived up to expectations in five of the 11 races but there was a handsome win for 4-1 bet The Ugly Duckling in the first part of the confined maiden second division.
The 10-year-old gelding enjoyed a comfortable victory, jockey Richard Woolacott bringing him home 13 lengths ahead of Tim Dennis' Change.
It was the first time The Ugly Duckling, owned by father and son Ken and John Heard, had won in many years of racing.
The form guide said the horse may break his duck and so it proved.
Ken, of Hughslade, near Okehampton, said: 'We thought he would win at Kilworthy — everything was in his favour.
'He had been bouncing out of his skin all week and he likes a fair cut in the ground.'
Ken and John bought The Ugly Duckling from John's twin brother, David, last year.
'We lost a horse, Shalik, last year when it had to be put down after breaking a leg at Ottery,' said Ken, who added that The Ugly Duckling would be running in the restricted at Cherrybrook point-to-point this Saturday.
The Heards also have ten times winner Rasta Man running in the open.
Mrs Sarah Batchelor's grey, Brown Robber, with Tim Dennis in the saddle, got things off to a thrilling start at Kilworthy by winning the members' race almost two lengths ahead of favourite Soloman's Sister, ridden by Mandy Hand. Third was Ledburian ridden by Colin Heard.
Eleven-year-old Butler John notched up his 18th win in 20 with a clear victory in the men's open.
The longest price winner was 8-1 Hanukkah in part two division two of the confined maiden.
The eleven-year-old mare, ridden by Ian Hambley, seized the moment when favourite Georgetown fell at the second to last.
Results: Lamerton Foxhounds Members — 1 Brown Robber ridden by Tim Dennis (6—2), 2 Solomon's Sister (Mandy Hand fav), 3, Ledburian (Colin Heard). 7 ran. 1.75 lengths, 3. 6 mins 25 sec.
Confined Hunts Maiden div 1 part 1 — 1 Knock Star (Simon Partridge 6—4 fav), 2 King Tudor (Richard Wollacott), 3 Masked Martin (Saul Kidston). 9 ran. 5, head. 6:47.
Confined Hunts Maiden div 1 part 2 — 1 Black Dante (Alex Charles—Jones 5—4 fav), 2 Henry's Song (Richard Darke), 3 Amazing Hill (Rebecca Morris). Eight ran. 6, 5. 6.:33.
Confined Hunts Maiden div 2 part 1 — 1 The Ugly Duckling (Richard Woolacott 4—1), 2 Change (Tim Dennis), 3 My Pride's Way (Tom Greed). 8 ran. 13, 2. 6:39.
Confined Hunts Maiden div 2 part 2 — 1 Hanukkah (Ian Hambley 8—1), 2 Melroy (Derek Doyne—Ditmas) 3, Opera Festival (David Stephens). 9 ran. 15, 30. 6:45.
Ladies' Open — 1 Baby Whale (Mandy Hand 5—1), 2 Mine's A Gin (Joanne Cumings), 3 Ticket to the Moon (Tabitha Cave fav). 11 ran. Head, 1.50. 6:30.
Confined Hunts — 1 Baldhu Chance (Alex Ede 7—2), 2 Spruce (Sarah Fell fav), 3 No More Nice Guy (Mandy Hand). 8 ran. 3.50, 8. 6:39.
Men's Open — 1 Butler John (Neil Harris 4—5fav), 2 Tuskar Flop (Dominic Alers—Hankey), 3 Texan Baby (Kevin Sheppard). 9 ran. 6, 2.50. 6:32.
Restricted div 1 — 1 Miner's Bill (Leslie Jefford 3—1), 2 Fossy Bear (Susan Young), 3 Copastrop (Richard Wollacott). 16 ran. 2.50, 3. 6:37.
Restricted div 2 — 1 Elliewelliewoo (Leslie Jefford 6—4 fav), 2 Shobrooke Mill (Alex Charles—Jones), 3 Brother Nero (Colin Heard). 17 ran. 4, 20. 6:32.
Intermediate — 1 Wibbley Wobbley (Joanne Cumings e fav), 2 Lead Story (Richard Darke), 3 Jeepers (Paul Kidston). 11 ran. Distance, 5. 6:38.