A RECORD 110 horses contested the nine races at Charing when the South East point-to-point season opened on Sunday with the Mid Surrey Farmers' meeting. There was some excellent racing with close finishes.

Punters had an uneasy day with just three favourites coming up to expectation and they had to wait until the sixth race for the banker of the afternoon Real Value, who went off at 4-7, before they had a draw.

Surprises were inevitable as there had been so little form to go on with many of the runners having their first outing and others not having raced for nearly two years.

Trainer Nick Gifford had his first treble with Belvento, Frazer Island and Lordston. Stable jockey David Dunston rode a double along with Chris Gordon.

Both Gordon's winners were on Maidens, Lively Lord who has been plagued with problems and was about to be put down three months ago and Sheriff's Friend. Both wins were a credit also to his trainer, Jenny Grant.

Another trainer to have a double was Di Grissell saddling Glory Trail to win the second division of the Restricted and Real Value. It was refreshing to see Real Value return to pointing and the way in which he won the Men's Open. The horse, having suffered a back injury when racing under rules last season but, now fully recovered, looks certain to take his chance in the Cheltenham Foxhunters where he was narrowly beaten two years ago.

It was unfortunate that Richard Griffith, owner of Glory Trail, was called away to help his parents whose house had been flooded. He missed seeing his horse give him his first winner in Division 1 of the Restricted. Philip Hall, who gave the horse a superb ride, got up virtually on the line to beat Rainbow Ranch by half a length, but on that performance he should not have to wait too long to see his horse back in the winner's enclosure.

There will be no racing this coming weekend. The next meeting takes place back at Charing on Sunday, February 17.