Manor Farm Plays Host to Adrenaline Fuelled Essex and Suffolk Team Chase Hunt
There were bumper entries for the annual Essex and Suffolk Team Chase which is was once again held at Manor Farm, Semer. The adrenaline fuelled fixture saw 75 teams gallop across the Suffolk countryside, jumping every natural occurring object that stood in their way.
The Fox Grand Dot Com team (William Grant, Claire Shuckelborough, Heather Moodie, Anna Stone) reigned supreme yet again as they successfully defended their Skinners Petfoods Open title. Hundreds of spectators were treated to a thrilling display of fast paced riding and impressive turns. Setting a blistering time of 5 minutes 45 seconds the four man team blew the competition away by a country mile.
We are over the moon at Fox Grant Dot com defending our open title for the second year against stiff competition from Ride Away and Relentless by over 9 seconds! I think that this is the quickest we have ever been in the 10 years we have been coming and must be very close to the course? “ Said team captain William Grant
William Grant is no stranger to the Suffolk hills with this being his fifth Open title, taking two with Relentless and now three with Fox Grant.
Charlotte Alexander had three chances to take the title as she led The Boring Gorings out with Saphir Du Rheu, and completed two rides with Team Rideaway. Team Rideaway 1 providing her with their highest placing of 2nd alongside team member Joe Stevenson who took on the demanding track four times, with only The Cunning Stunts not completing.
A change of plan brought good fortune to Ye Old Shameless (Carrie-Anne Adams, Lisa Spence, Jane Buchan and Harry Macleod), who took the Intermediate Bogey win.
It was great fun! We switched to the Bogey Time class because we all had our own reasons for just having a fun round, rather than gunning for a fast time. As it happened, we went at a good pace, stuck together and had a smooth, uneventful round – just what the doctor ordered for all the horses! To win was a great bonus.”
Commented Jane Buchan, advanced event rider and Bailey’s Horse Feeds Marketing Manager.
The Westford Wranglers (Julie Hayward, Peter Hayward, Chloe Miles and Franchesca Nunn) finished one second over the optimum time of 5 minutes 49 seconds to claim top honours in the hugely popular Novice Bogey, sponsored by All Seasons Fencing.
We were thrilled with the way the day went”
confirmed organiser Gillie Cranfield.
The courses seemed to ride well and it was lovely to see so many first time team chasers enjoying themselves, as well as the pros really attacking both the Open and Intermediate courses. I would like to thank all of our amazing volunteers who make the day possible as well as our very generous sponsors.”
