Frustrations mount as entries flood in

Frost almost threatened to ruin the Derwent meeting last Sunday. But the days are longer now, the sun honoured us with a visit and after an hour's delay the racing went ahead without a hiccup.

That is until the last race, the Maiden. This attracted 53 entries. The safety factor for runners on the track is 18, so with 39 horses declared to run on the day, the race needed to be split into three.

This is what normally happens when there are high entry numbers. But Michael Morley, the entry secretary, explained that due to lack of sponsorship, the hunt were reluctant to do this. The senior steward, Alan Saxby, announced there would be two divisions. A ballot would decide which horses could run in them.

Rarely is this system needed. It is fair but it's unfortunate for those with an interest in the horses which are unlucky in the draw and have to be removed so close to a run.

Our infamous trio of volunteer declarations staff, Melanie, John and Richard, had a stressful time coping with the consequences. The rules state no jockey is allowed to ride in three divisions of a split race. This leads to a shortage of jockeys in the third division and a number of last-minute withdrawals. Much grumbling was directed towards the stewards and the declaration trio.

Steam was coming from Melanie's ears and poor Richard was desperately searching for a cigarette as he faced an army of petulant owners and trainers anxious about their horses missing out. Aggravation was caused due to the time all this took to organise.

But all the people doing the work were volunteers who are invaluable at the point to points. Complaints usually comes from the direction of those who never offer their services for free.

The Derwent gave out 70 packed lunches to its volunteers on Sunday, indicating just how many helpers it takes to make things happen.

The hunts run the point-to-points to raise funds. It is hard work getting sponsors to donate time and money in today's testing economic climate, so people willing to do it for the love and enjoyment of the sport are vital. Last weekend they all pulled together to make it a successful and exciting day's racing on superb ground.

Gunner, the horse of Peter, my father, is out at the Holderness tomorrow. How Peter ever ended up owning an animal which he constantly moans eats his grass and churns his fields up, I'm not quite sure. But he is excited. Bought as an unbroken seven-year-old and built like a prize Hereford Bull, Gunner would have been at home in the Calgary Stampede, judging by his ability to bronc me off without notice while breaking him in.

Once mastered to the job, Gunner decided work was too much hassle. Staying in bed watching Jeremy Kyle and signing on the dole every week was much more appealing to him. He was the laziest horse I have sat on. It took five months to get him fit. First time on the race track, he dropped me on the wing at the second fence. I was so infuriated, I asked a chap to ride him, Mark Walford. He jumped round and we finished satisfied.

This year Gunner is a different character, gets up and goes to work every morning. I am almost looking forward to riding him on Sunday, especially as the riding fee will be so generous, won't it Peter?

Yorkshire champion lady jockey Jo Foster trains horses at Brookleigh Farm, Menston, West Yorkshire.