news RoR Racing to Polo Challenge returns to Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

On the 10^th September, the RoR Racing to Polo Challenge, supported by Lycetts, returned to The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. This popular event is open to all registered former racehorses who have been in training or have raced in Great Britain.

As the sun shone, the 36 competitors arrived to declare their horses for one of the four classes being held on ground 4 of this prestigious Polo Club. With a first prize of £500, winners rug and kit bag and further cash prizes to fourth place, there was plenty to play for.

The judging panel comprised Lord Patrick Beresford who was the Senior Judge for the Conformation and was joined by Rob Cudmore, Nicky Evans, Roddy Williams and Ali Paterson who were to judge on performance. Each competitor presented to the Conformation judges prior to commencing their one and a half minute performance element of the Challenge.

Furze Boy, owned by Jack Richardson and ridden by Ralph Richardson

The competition started with the three year old class, with eleven entries, these young horses demonstrated their adaptability to a second career, performing the key moves required for the transition to Polo. Judged primarily on performance with type and conformation being taken into account in case of a tie, the winner was Ralph Richardson and Furze Boy owned by his brother Jack, the horse was formerly trained by Michael Easterby who had two runs before retiring in May of 2017. Second place was awarded to Dorian Bulteau riding his own Dolly Dagger.

The competitive four year old class with 11 entries was won by Ben Eeley riding his own No Luck Penny formerly trained by Noel Wilson, with second place going to Hells Bells, owned by Alan Kent and ridden by Nick Johnson.

The five year old class was won by Adam Buchanan riding his own By The Rules, formerly trained by Paul Cole with second place going to Bowdicca, ridden by Ollie Cork and owned by Lila Pearson.

The day culminated with the six year old and upwards competition, with six horses declared, Richard Le Peor took the first prize riding Ben Eeley’s, 6 year old, Lady Armada, formerly trained by Jo Hughes. The mare Arabian Gleam had two starts whilst in training, finishing stone last in both, but clearly the winner here, where she was judged to be “top class”. Second place was awarded to Felicis owned and ridden by Jack Richardson.

RoR would like to thank the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for hosting this wonderful event and also the judges, players and organisers who made this return to Berkshire a huge success.

Full results:

3 Year Olds

1^st Furze Boy, owned by Jack Richardson, ridden by Ralph Richardson

2^nd Dolly Dagger, owned and ridden by Dorian Bulteau

3^rd Runaway Bay, owned by Alan Kent, ridden by Nick Johnson

4^th What Do You Think, owned and ridden by Dorian Bulteau

4 Year Olds

1^st No Luck Penny, owned by Ben Eeley and ridden by Richard Le Poer

2^nd Hells Bells, owned by Alan Kent and ridden by Nick Johnson

3^rd Dixie Peach, owned and ridden by Kat Thomas

4^th Chez Moi, owned and ridden by Will Brasher

5 Year Olds

1^st By The Rules, owned and ridden by Adam Buchanan

2^nd Bowdicca, owned by Lila Pearson, ridden by Ollie Cork

3^rd Moonlight Girl, owned by Alan Kent, ridden by Nick Johnson

4^th Mistaken Lady, ridden and owned by Ollie Cork

6 Year Olds and Upwards

1^st Lady Armada, owned by Ben Eeley, ridden by Richard Le Poer

2^nd Felicis, owned and ridden by Jack Richardson

3^rd Maidana, owned by Alan Kent, ridden by Nick Johnson

4^th Patisserie, owned by Alan Kent, ridden by Nick Johnson