news Hunting challenge finalists set for day with the Ledbury

• Ri-Dry RoR Racing to Hunting Challenge finalists announced

Eight horses and riders have been selected for the final of the annual Ri-Dry RoR Racing to Hunting Challenge. The finalists have all been invited to enjoy a day out with the Ledbury Hunt in November at which the panel of judges will assess the merits and behaviour of the individual horses in the hunting field.

Now in its fifth year and sponsored by Ri-Dry waterproof clothing, first prize in the Racing to Hunting challenge will go to the former racehorse judged to have best adapted to their second career within the hunting field. The winner will receive the Meriel Tufnell Trophy at the RoR Awards ceremony held at The Jockey Club Rooms, along with a cash prize and a Ri-Dry jacket, the second and third also each receive a Ri-Dry jacket. To view the Ri-Dry website follow www.ri-dryclothing.co.uk

This year’s challenge attracted nominations from all over the country including past Cheltenham Festival winner Back In Focus and Welsh Grand National winner, Monbeg Dude. The final eight selected by the judges ran a total of 219 times throughout their career and range in age from 12 to 17. The list includes a former Grand National runner in Milgen Bay and Sire Collonges, a winner over the X-country fences at Cheltenham.

Members of the judging panel will be both mounted and on foot for the day with the Ledbury, where the finalists will be monitored on their behaviour and performance in the hunting field.

The eight finalists, their riders and their regular hunt are as follows:

Bills Bank, 16-y.o by Alflora, Kathleen Robinson, North Staffordshire Hunt
Horatio Caine, 14-y.o by Assessor, Cordelia Chugg, Cotswold Hunt
Hunters Lodge, 15-y.o by Subtle Power, Gabby Hill, Kimblewick Hunt
Important Moment, 12-y.o by Milan, Becky Smith, Fernie Hunt
Its All Or Nothing, 12-y.o by Terimon, Charlotte Rowe, Eggesford Hunt
Milgen Bay, 15-y.o by Generous, Nicki Sturgis, Duke of Beaufort Hunt
Sire Collonges, 15-y.o by Dom Alco, Tom Jonason, Belvoir Hunt
Tribunel, 17-y.o by Diktat, Vicky Heal, Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of RoR, said: “We are genuinely excited to see how this new format works. Judging the finalists in their natural habitat of the hunting field will, we hope, widen the appeal of the challenge. We are indebted to the Ledbury Hunt for providing the opportunity for the finalists to enjoy a fun day out.”