THE first Autumn meeting under BHRC rules at the popular Leominster track provided the large crowd with plenty to cheer about.

Spectators' favourite Gareth Price nicked another win towards the no-holds-barred driver's title with a spirited catch drive on John Richards' Saunders Benz, who dominated the Pathfinder event. But the debonair Jason Podmore, equally hungry for the local driver's crown, retaliated with a double to celebrate his daughter Jesse's secondd birthday.

His classy mare, Quality Time, increased her lead at the top of the points table with a brave narrow victory in the top grade mile that clocked the fastest time of the meeting. Her tiny stablemate, Disturbin', owned by Jason's mother, Muriel Loverock, grabbed more glory in the Intermediate when out-gunning Newtown Shine (Terry Laventure) and Sunset Dancer (David Bevan).

Steve Lees always returns from his raids on Wales & West laden with booty and partnered a well-celebrated double for JC Jones with the maiden Highbrooks Awesome and the novice Cardis DC. He then made it a treble with the colossal Coalford James, who sprinted away with the other division.

Brecon man Cecil Richards often produces a promising youngster and the eye-catching South-park is no exception. Piloted by Colin Bevan, he floated to a notable maiden success.

Brian Davies extended his advantage as leading owner in the area when Briwyn's Anna, ably partnered by Emma Frieze, nonchalantly sauntered around her rivals in the intermediate event and powered to an untroubled win.

Biotal Scoot (Libby Lloyd), the half-brother of the mighty Fearless JR, has always looked the business and stamped his claim on future fame with a cruising triumph on his debut in open handicap company, chased home by the equally promising Fold Flight (Julian Price).

But Julian did not have long to wait for all-consuming consolation. Nite'n'Gale, fresh from setting a new track record at Amman Valley, annihilated the distinguished field in the Biotal Free For All with an awesome performance.

He scorched to the front early in the mile and a quarter and increased his advantage in dazzling style, with Home At Last (Roy Wilson) running the race of his life to seize second place from Fearless JR (Richard Owens). Julie Price, the owner and trainer of the lion-hearted Nite'n'Gale is usually perfectly composed, but on this occasion it was an understandably emotional greeting for the little horse who runs his heart out every time he sets foot on the track.

Next meeting: Leomin-ster, Sunday 2 p.m.

RESULTS

Going: Firm (All races over 1 mile 139 yds, except race 10)

Pathfinder: 1 Saunders Benz (Gareth Price) 20 yds; 2 Merry Baron (Ray Jenkins) 30 yds; 3 Symlog Double D (Karen Lowes). 2:23.2. 4L, neck. 7 ran. Owned and trained by John Richards, Llandrindod Wells.

Open Handicap Mile, Div 1 (handicap reduced by 20 yds): 1 Quality Time (Jason Podmore) 10 yds; 2 Denzil Benberthy (Carl Davies); 3 Sourbrook Romeo (Gary Wakefield). 2:19.2. Neck, L. 7 ran. Owned and trained by Jason Podmore, Uttoxeter.

Div 2: 1 Biotal Scoot (Libby Lloyd; 2 Fold Flight (Julian Price) 10 yds; 3 I Am The Man (Sarah Mould). 2:26,2. L, 2L. 7 ran. Owned and trained by Libby Lloyd, Much Cowarne.

Maiden, Div 1: 1 Highbrooks Awesome (Steve Lees); 2 Lady Sherman (Ian Lloyd); 3 Outlaw's Madam (Derek Turton). 2:24.6.10L, L. 7 ran. Owned by Steve Jones, trained by JC Jones, Ceredigion.

Div 2: 1 Southpark (Colin Bevan); 2 Lakeside Warrior (Peter Preston); 3 Troy (Ray Jenkins). 2:26.4. 4L, L. 7 ran. Owned and trained by Cecil Richards, Brecon.

Novice Mile, Div 1: 1 Coalford James (Steve Lees); 2 Nightingale Flyer (Gary Wakefield); 3 Cerion San San (Joanne Taff). 2:21.1 8L, 5L. Owned by Coalford Stud, trained by Joseph Mound, North Wales.

Novice/Improver: 1 Cardis DC (Steve Lees); 2 Pru's Phantom (Sarah Mould); 3 Sourbrook Silence (Gary Wakefield). 2:22.2. 3L, 3L. 8 ran. Owned and trained by JC Jones, Ceredigion.

Improver/Intermediate Mile: 1 Disturbin' (Jason Podmore); 2 Newtown Shine (Terry Laventure) 10 yds; 3 Sunset Dancer (David Bevan). 2:25.7. 1L, neck. Owned by Muriel Loverock, trained by Jason Podmore, Uttoxeter.

Intermediate: 1 Briwyn's Anna (Emma Frieze); 2 Wellfield Baroness (Terry Laventure); 3 Biotal Beth (Richard Owens). 2:21.9. 4L, L. 9 ran. Owned and trained by Brian Davies, Sennybridge.

Free For All ( miles): 1 Nite'n'Gale (Julian Price); 2 Home At Last (Roy Wilson); 3 Fearless JR (Richard Owens). 2:31.5. 7L, 1L. 6 ran. Owned and trained by Julie Price, Presteigne.