Please contact William Burton on 07738 959900 or email william-burton@countryside-alliance.org
COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE RACE DAY
June 25th 2015
Leona’s day
On the 25th June 2015, I took part in the Race for Repeal at Newmarkets prestigious July course. I represented the Essex hunt where I raised money for the Countryside Alliance.
Having had such a brilliant ride around High Easter point to point in the members race, I originally decided to take part on my own horse, Ashtown boy. Unfortunately work commitments didn’t allow.
Four weeks prior to the race, I managed to secure a horse…..but not for long! Sadly the trainer pulled out last minute and it just wasn’t meant to be.
With nearly £1500 sponsorship raised & four days to find a horse (the week after Royal Ascot!) to say I had a sense of humour failure was a huge understatement! Thankfully through Danae Knights
racing contacts, a lovely trainer from Newmarket (Phil Mckentee) very kindly leant me the wonderful ‘Expensive Taste’, affectionately known as ‘Tasty’ to his stable friends. ( & he was very yummy indeed)
I had confirmation that Tasty could be used as my replacement horse on Tuesday evening, I was riding him at 7am on Wednesday morning and by Thursday afternoon I was walking him back into the winners enclosure. Tasty gave me an incredible ride and I’m pleased to say we came a respectable 2nd! Go team Essex!
Thank you SO much to everyone who not only very generously sponsored me but who came and supported me on the day. I had such an amazing day with a great crowd, beautiful sunshine and to top it off, a place in the winners enclosure and lots of money raised for the Countryside Alliance. It’s safe to say a great day had by all!
Special thanks to the Masters for putting me forward to ride and to Jo Pinkerton and Danae Knight for their tireless efforts in a plea to help find me a ride such last minute!
Thanks again for all your support and here’s to winning the repeal!
Leona & Tasty
Xx
