SUCCESS for Master Mariner in the Cotswold point-to-point maiden race at Andoversford rewarded years of hard work by Tetbury trainer Amanda Maller.

Co-owner Gary Meredith admitted it had taken him 14 years to get into the winners’ enclosure.

Master Mariner (8-1) and Xpectations began to draw clear of their rivals on the climb to the home straight and Geoff Barfoot-Saunt drove his mount through to secure the vital inside berth on the final bend.

It secured them a narrow lead at the last, which was extended on the run-in.

Barfoot-Saunt said: “Gary and Amanda have been staunch supporters of the sport for a number of years.

“They do this for the enjoyment so this succer ess is well deserved. This is the first time the horse has worn cheek pieces in this country. I think that and the firmer conditions made all the difference.”

Less than 24 hours after Guy Disney won at Brampton Bryan, the Laverton rider completed a weekend double on Ballycassel (11-10) in the Cotswold members’ race.

The ten-year-old led from flag fall but sole rival Be Definite was never more than a couple of lengths behind before Disney’s mount began to go clear at the 17th.

Be Definite was unable to close the gap in the tiring climb to the finish as Gus Levinson’s mount finished second for the sixth time this season.

Ballycassel had form under Rules for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Charlie Longsdon, but was selected for Disney’s comeback and placed in the care of Sarah Stafford at Guiting Power.

Westbury-on-Severn rider Hannah Lewis used her experience to good effect on History Master (7-1) in the ladies’ open.

Stratford Stroller took the lead at halfway and just started to stretch his rivals when he fell at the 16th.

Lewis sent her mount into a clear lead at the bottom of the hill and the opposition were always fighting a losing battle on the final climb.

Coln St Rogers-based Mark Wall used his course knowledge to win on Divine Intervention (1-3 favourite) in the men’s open and Dandan (9-2) in the intermediate.

Both horses carry the colours of Hugh Wilson with Divine Intervention returning to point-to-pointing after running under Rules last year.

He was pushed all the way by Himalayan Express, who was only a length behind.

Enterprising tactics proved the key to Dandan’s success as Wall took his mount to the front at the start of the second circuit and quickened the pace.

They were soon eight lengths clear but jockey Tom Weston closed the gap with favourite Cold Knight.

Sweet Like You (2-5 favourite) won the restricted race.

The ninth annual Vale Country Fair with point-to-point is at Andoversford on Sunday.

Gates open at 10.30am with the first events starting at 10.45am.