IT was the final meeting for the Yorkshire point-to-point season last weekend at Sedgefield racecourse as the curtain came to a close on the northern scene this year.

Although the fields were on the low side, organisers had put a lot of effort in to trying to achieve the best ground possible.

John Dawson had only one ride on the day which further sealed his grip in the Men’s championship, while the Open Ladies and Novice Ladies championship both went to Kate Lowcock, who has made her presence felt this season.

The Men’s Open was the strongest race of the day and would go the way of northern raider Border Breaker, trained by Tim Reed and ridden by Guy Opperman. The pair swooped to the lead and couldn’t be caught. Shepherds Cave under Jack Teal and Path To Freedom with John Dawson failed to reel the winner in and gave 54-year-old Opperman - who is also a Tory MP for Hexham - his first victory of the year.

The team who recorded a treble on the day was that of locally-based Chris Dawson. He started the day with a walk over in the open maiden with Good Rhythm which was partnered by Tom Strawson. However they quickly went on to score in the Hunt Members’ race as well with Sposalizio, again under Strawson, given an effortless victory as stablemate Sweetsingingriver departed three out.

Dawson and Strawson quickly made it a treble as they also took the restricted race with Good Rhythm.

The Confined race saw Buck Dancing and Jess Bedi come out on top as the pair quickened clear of Royal Chant and Jack Andrews and win easily.

The Ladies’ Open saw Claire Hardwick record her 100th point-to-point winner aboard southern raider Argot.