The Tivyside Hunt point-to-point steeplechases, held over the Cilwendeg course near Boncath, attracted some of the best fields ever with an average of nine runners in every race which produced several very close and nail biting finishes.

The organisers paid high tribute to Alan Bowen and family who farm the land, the large number of commercial sponsors and racing enthusiasts who ensured the financial success of the event and to everyone who braved the elements to enjoy a truly excellent afternoon's racing.

Despite the rain which came on heavy mid way through the card the jockeys were very positive that the going was good and their mounts are certainly improving in fitness as the season progresses.

Isobel Thompsett and Tim Vaughan each rode two winners and popular huntsman Dai Jones is to be warmly congratulated on notching up his 200th win in 1,700 chases.

In six of the nine main races the bookies favourites were beaten into second place so it was a good days betting for the instinctive and knowledgeable follower of the sport.

In winning the Ladies Race on the Banwen qualifier, Kate Evans's 10-year-old bay gelding, Collier's Quay, Isobel also collected the Tivyside Advertiser's perpetual challenge trophy.

Particularly pleasing was the feverish excitement and mounting thrills of the two pony races, featured at the end of the programme, which drew quality entries from as far afield as Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.

Commenting afterwards, Secretary Dewi Lewis, who himself won the members race with Euryalus - an eight-year-old Irish bred chestnut gelding that came home at 16-1 - said that everything promised so well for a spectacular event and, had the weather been kinder, these races would have certainly been the best that the Tivyside had ever put on. Results:

Members (sponsored by Tessa and Jeff Griffiths -in memory of the late Myrddin Griffiths) - 1, Euryalus (Mark Lewis), 16- 1; 2, Indian Wing (John Harries); 3, Wiston Wizo (Isabel Thompsett). 8 ran.

Confined (Pembrokeshire Equestrian) - 1, Pamela Anshan (James Tudor), 10- 1; 2, Gipsy Girl (James Stephens); 3, Batchworth Lock (Charlotte Owen). 16 ran.

Intermediate (Penstar Pumps, Rhoshill) - 1, Classi Maureen (Lucy Rowsell), 7- 4; 2, Gilzine (John Llewellyn); 3, Beasley (Charlotte Owen). 8 ran.

Men's Open (Sinclair Garages -Mercedes Benz) - 1, Severn Magic (James Price), 6- 1; 2, Chief Predator (Tom Faulkener); 3, Moon Tiger (Dai Jones). 7 ran.

Ladies Open (Mark1s Country Kitchen) - 1, Collier1s Quay (Isobel Thompsett), 7- 1; 2, Usk Valley (Ruth Birt Llewellin); 3, Longstone Boy (Jodie Hughes). 7 ran.

Restricted (Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush) - 1, Ballet Red (Tim Vaughan), 4- 1; 2, She1s Little Don (Lucy Rowsell); 3, Killy Lass (Tom Faulkener). 9 ran.

Confined Maiden I (Thermatex, Cardigan)- 1, Brave Caradoc (Tim Vaughan), 6- 4; 2, Hot Produxion (Dai Jones); 3, Mister Julius (Isobel Thompsett). 11 ran.

Confined Maiden II (Pantgwyn Quarry) - 1, Gotham Abby (Isobel Thompsett), 4- 1; 2, Bowd Lane Joe (Dai Jones). 9 ran, 2 finished.

Confined Maiden III (Nick Davies Suzuki, Eglwyswrw) - 1, Lord G G (Dai Jones), 3- 1; 2, Lost Treasure (James Tudor); 3, Bullyrag (Chris Holman). 6 ran.

Ponies Races (Roger and Helen Evans): 13.2 hh and under (riders 9- 11 years) - 1, Irish Joker (Jack Sherwood); 2, Stambrook Marquesa (Connor Flint); 3, Sparky Boy (William Twiston- Davies)., 14.2 hh and under (riders under 15 years) - 1, Sweet Wells (Robbie Llewellyn); 2, Tenant's Super (Richard Gadd); 3, Bwl Girl (Bradley Gibbs).