Huntington Chase 2016
Larger turnout for annual event raises £925
Chase day dawned with heavy rain and poor visibility threatening the Hergest Ridge section of the 11k. course. But true to the forecast, by the noon start time, a fine day was in prospect and the 9th annual Huntington Chase got under way.
Horses overtook the field to lead the way at the top of Hergest. But tricky downhill sections allowed the bikes to make up ground as they streamed past a couple of dozen walkers who had set out an hour before. First home was Will Kelly in a creditable 37 minutes. with Rachel Williams riding Alanna and Jan Thompson on Moll Flanders a few minutes later. At 54 minutes, Gladestry boy, Owen Cowden took the running honours.
Previous fancy dress winner Geoff Cooper, immaculately turned out as Team Britain and Richard Bullock as the vivid Lady in Red, deservedly shared their prize. Tal and Addy Carter both put in gutsy performances to lead the under 16’s. A happy hour or two at the Swan Inn with mountains of sandwiches and cakes generously prepared by ladies of Huntington rounded off the day.
With 79 entrants, a well supported raffle, donations from David Jones and Partners of Hay and Kington Co-op and Nisa, The Grape Vine and Paul Lewis, over £925 was raised to be split between The Riding for the Disabled Group at Bryngwyn and the Kington Community Choir. Jackie Smith, local chair said, "The RDA sends a very big thank you to all who took part, helped in the organisation or supported it, for the really generous donation that will help us achieve our current goal of improving the mounting area".
Peter Kelly
Tel: 07805 077 416
