The AGA series has had a flying start so losing Horseheath was a real blow, and it left us looking at a weekend without an AGA ladies open race. That was not an option so a replacement was sought and an additional fixture in the Devon & Cornwall area was added, with the Mid Devon at Black Forest Lodge welcoming us with open arms.

The AGA van and the AGA boys were given a well deserved weekend off and it was just me and Mrs S who headed down the M5 to Devon (along with a bag of AGA hats).

What you would normally expect to see now is a race by race account of our day, but not this week! There are plenty of photos, just not that many of race winners. That’s because this week’s blog has lots of photos similar to those which you will find in my weekly photo round-up in Go Pointing, ‘Been Pointing’.

If you don’t subscribe to Go Pointing then please click here to sign up and you will get it in your inbox every Tuesday evening. It’s essential reading for all point-to-point enthusiasts as it’s packed full of features, reviews, previews and loads of great photos (including mine … did I already mention that?).

Anyway, I think I’ll let the photos do the talking, starting with this one of Mark Wall and his daughter Xaviera, who joined him in the winners enclosure after his win on Nobby Kivambo in the Mens Open.

A good entry for the sixth AGA ladies race of the season – 17 – promised much, and 8 went to post, with Byerley Bear (Leanda Tickle) the clear market leader.

This was Leanda Tickle’s first ever win in an AGA ladies open race,  and she was very impressed with her prize, a beautiful, AGA embroidered soft shell jacket, supplied by Harley Equestrian.

We watched the Restricted, and the presentation afterwards, then headed for the lorry park in search of more photo opportunities … and cake!

The lorry park is a friendly place and I’m not just saying that because of the plentiful supply of baked goods! There’s usually fun to be had (whatever the weather), and if the Hart/Hope entourage are in attendance then fun is guaranteed.

As well as starring in the photo above with Amanda Timms and Hayley Findlay, Alfie was also in an even better photo which appeared in Go Pointing – and I’m hoping it might make the latest edition of Pointing Plus!

Gift Of Dreams was 3rd (this pleased his connections) and his first win won’t be too far away.  The winner was Bob The Butcher and I reckon he’ll be winning again soon as he won this maiden very easily.

My early morning tweet about the tropical weather in Devon was tongue in cheek, although the jacket was left in the car and Mrs S didn’t complain about being cold all day (for the first time this season).  I’d call that a result, so we left Devon as we had arrived – smiling – and made good time back to the Midlands (3 hours), see you at Larkhill!