News Finalists announced for the Ri-Dry RoR Racing to Hunting Challenge Final

• Six Finalists head to Aintree Racecourse

• A total prize fund of £3,500 to be shared

Now in its third year, the Racing to Hunting Challenge, sponsored by Ri-Dry waterproof clothing, will be won by the former racehorse judged to have best adapted to their second career in the hunting field. The winner will be awarded the Meriel Tufnell Trophy together with a prize fund to be shared down to 6^th place.

The six former racehorses will head to Aintree on Countryside Day, 27^th October to prove their adaptability and versatility in the final, in front of the race-day crowd.

This year’s challenge attracted nominations from all over the country. The judging panel then had the agonizing decision to draw up a short list to be visited in the hunting field to decide on the final six to compete in the final.

The six former racehorses accumulated earnings of £175,746 between them throughout their racing careers with former Willie Mullins star, Back in Focus being the most successful on the racecourse.

On the day, the six finalists will undertake a series of challenges including jumping and negotiating obstacles that they might come across on a day’s hunting. The horses and riders will also parade with a pack of hounds from the Holcombe Harriers and throughout the judging panel will be monitoring their behaviour and performance.

Looking to secure the coveted Championship title are:

1. Kawana Cove; 13-y.o by Karinga Bay, Maria Lewis, Lamerton Foxhounds
2. Kikos; 17-y.o by Nikos, Amy Morgan, Heythrop Hunt
3. Newyearsresolution; 15-y.o by Mr Combustible, Amie Waugh, Morpeth Hunt
4. Mr Chippy; 15-y.o by Laveron, Suzie Dent, Hurworth Hunt
5. Just A Touch; 23-y.o by Rakaposhi King, Elizabeth Feakes, Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds
6. Back In Focus; 14-y.o by Bob Back, Clare Burrows, Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), said: “The standard of entries continues to grow each year and the six finalists have earned there place at the final. Each of the horses selected demonstrate the temperament, adaptability and versatility needed to make an exceptional hunter.

“It will not be easy picking a winner as they all look worthy of winning the prize. Our thanks again to Aintree for hosting the final and to Jonathan Clark and his panel of judges for the hard work they have put in.”