THERE were a number of close finishes at the Golden Valley Hunt meeting at Bredwardine on Sunday, but the one that troubled the Judge was the PPORA Members race which saw a blanket finish before Sumak was declared the winner.

Four horses were in with a chance at the final fence as long-time leaders Cinaman and The Ginger Man were challenged by Lagosta and Sumak.

In the thrilling climax, it was Sumak and Emma Mosely that took the honours by a neck from The Ginger Man with Cinaman and Lagosta dead-heating for third.

Mosely, based at St Clears near Carmarthen, said: “I had to switch back inside to get a clear run but he’s wonderful and it’s my second win.”

The Men’s Open race again saw drama as long-time leader Ethiopia hit a course-marker turning for home and un-shipped rider Jo Know, leaving the only two other finishers Interpleader and Following Dreams to fight out the finish. In a driving finish, it was Interpleader, trained by Sheila Lewis, near Hay-on-Wye, ridden by Chris West who prevailed by a short-head.

Lewis said: “He was injured back in February and took time to come back, but he ran well in the Dunraven Hunterchase at Chepstow last time out. “He could go to Chaddesley next time out.”

Sad news from the meeting was the announcement that Marden jockey Rob Hodges would be retiring at the end of the season. Hodges said: “I’ve had a good run, riding for 16 years with over 40 winners and rides around Cheltenham and Aintree but I have to think of the future.”

Hodges will concentrate on pursuing a career as a paramedic.

Winner of the Mark Richards trophy for Leading rider went to Tom Weston.

q Results: Hunt Members, 12st5lb (2 ran): 1 Go Jack (J Jenkinson) 5-4, 2 Ruby Rocks It 4-9F.

Restricted, 12st (9 ran): 1 Cousinade (Mathew Barber) 7-4F, 2 Elms School Story 7-1, 3 Twisted Cross 7-1.

PPORA Club Members Conditions 9yo&up, 12st (8 ran): 1 Sumak (E Moseley) 6-1, 2 The Ginger Man 10-1, 3= Lagosta 5-1, 3= Cinaman 2-1F.

Men’s Open, 12st (7 ran): 1 Interpleader (C West) 8-1, 2 Following Dreams 7-4JF. Only two finished.

Ladies’ Open, 11st (5 ran): 1 Irish Raptor (A Stirling) 7-1, 2 Backfromthecongo 50-1, 3 Silver Adonis 4-1.

Open Maiden 456&7yo, 12st (11 ran): 1 Celtic Fella (E David) 12-1, 2 Silver Man 6-4F, 3 Turnover 12-1.

Open Maiden 8yo&up, 12st (8 ran): 1 Ahcomeretome (L. Brooke) 8-1, 2 Outanover 4-1, 3 Very Edgy 5-2.