After last weekend’s return to action at the new event at Burgham, the latest outing was to the new event Hopetoun. I hadn’t visited the event in its previous existence so the whole location was fresh, and very impressive it was too, and that wasn’t just because of the results.
As with any new event there will be areas to work on for the next one, but the organizing committee were encouraging dialogue right through the event , in preparation for next year and this looks a very welcome addition to the calendar. Congratulations to Stuart Buntine and his team for a job well done, and thanks to the Earl of Hopetoun for expanding the competition.
The event also had varying locations for trade stands and entertainment to spread the wide range of activities over the site, which worked well and I can anticipate those also being extended over the next two years.
There was plenty of family entertainment to keep youngsters entertained with a focus on the West lawn and it was pictured early on the Saturday as things kicked off. The main competitions also jumped in front of the main house on the Sunday which made a superb backdrop. One of the features on the cross country course for the CIC3* were the Forth Bridges.
The distance from the lorry park to the competition sites did cause some comment, and that is something that is already being worked on for next year as it made some of the scheduling a bit tight. The event was also perhaps more successful than anticipated in attracting the crowds and may actually need more stewards, especially as a number of those attending appeared new to the sport and in some cases were slightly caught out by the arrival of horses despite intense whistling.
There could also be more shuttles to ferry people up and down the hill and from the lorry park but I gather these are already in hand. The ground held up pretty well over the two days and they were extremely lucky with the weather.
NBR entries
The week we had Wattsburn and Arctic Soul in the Novice, with Stonedge in the Open Novice and Trig Point returning to Competition in the CIC2*
Three had dressage on Saturday afternoon with Arctic Soul scoring a 35.5 leaving him well positioned, Wattsburn with a 38.5, and Trig Point scored a 45.3 in the CIC2* that was to leave him lying 6th. Returning home overnight there was an early start the next morning so that Stonedge could complete his dressage in the open Novice where he scored a 32.5 despite stopping mid test as a deer ran across in front of him. (local hazard)
The showjumping also went well for all , Wattsburn rolled a pole at the first of the Treble, but the others all went clear with Trig Point competing an almost foot perfect round. This was also Arctic Soul’s first clear round showjumping at Novice.
Cross Country
The cross country course was well designed and offered several challenges. Viewing wasn’t easy given the terrain and the location of trees and it was tough going running up and down for those trying to watch horses. The two problem areas on the course seemed to be the slippy surface coming down the hill under the trees in the CIC3* which eventually required a fence to be taken out , and the location of the 13th fence in the Novice.
Wattsburn was first up , and looked a little green on the way round. It was at the end that Nicky discovered that she was one of many to miss out fence 13 which required a sharp right hand turn after the water, that a number simply hadn’t realized was there, and it caught out many on the course walk.
There were still two other Novice runs ahead, Arctic Soul and then Stonedge.
Arctic Soul showed a significant improvement from his outing the week before at Burgham and still had plenty left in the tank at the end as he returns to match fitness.
This was his first double clear at Novice, and his 16 time faults were enough to take him into 8th position.
Stonedge managed 10. 4 time faults in the Open Novice which took him into 7th place on his first run since Auchinleck .
Trig Point was the last one to take his turn and he looked seriously impressive and given the stiffish nature of the track his experience showed through. His 8.4 time faults was one of the quicker rounds and yet there was more left in the tank, which bodes well for the campaign ahead. that was good enough to lift him into second place, behind Nicola Wilson, and just ahead of Matthew Wright and Ruth Edge, a very pleasing result on his return to competition.
Points
Trig Point picked up 14 for his second place and Arctic Soul opened his account for the season with 1
Overall the points total is now 49 with Trig Point on 40, Fiddlewood 6 , Stonedge 2 and Arctic Soul 1
Next Outings
Arctic soul in the Novice at Scone (which looks to be an early start and finish on Sunday and I may have to miss),
Rare hero, Slievcoillte Woody and Willunga are also in action the first two in the BE 90 and the latter in the BE 4 year old.
Then Wattsburn and Stonedge head to Aston Le walls for an Intermediate and Novice before Trig Point competes in the CIC3* at hartpury where he is in a very impressive field of 77 and his sternest competition to date.
A very enjoyable weekend and certainly looking forward to revisiting Hopetoun going forward.
Heard over the organisers radio…
Ronald Alexander : “ I need a new battery “
Rapid response ;” is that for you or your radio.? “
After a prolonged pause Ronald’s response :” … Ha … Ha … “
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