THE first visit by the Duke of Beaufort’s hounds to the cedar-shaded ring at Ardingly since the 1990s was a triumph, culminating in Carrot 21’s capture of the bitch championship.
A daughter of VWH Crackshot 14, Carrot had won the entered couples class alongside Delphi 21 – by North Cotswold Draycot 17 – and moved with ease and grace in the final run-off at the end of a long, hot afternoon.
Joint-master and huntsman Matt Ramsden said: “Carrot goes back to a bitch called Middleton Votive who was brought to the Middleton country from Ireland. It is a very old Middleton line that goes back to Warwickshire Comfort 1820 and it was given to me at the Bedale by Tom Holt in the form of a bitch called Gracious, and I bred from her at the Bedale and brought one bitch with me to the Beaufort, Canvas.
“We have had three or four litters from her and now about a quarter of the kennel have that female line. It’s very dear because they are tough, hardworking, have great voices and hunt like fury, so it’s nice that one has won a prize.”
He added: “Carrot has her head down and doesn’t muck around. She’s a no-nonsense bitch, basically.”
She was walked by Freddy Tuck, whose parents farm on the Badminton estate.
The Beaufort also took the two-couples class with Brevity 22, Dabchick 22, Delphi and Fortune 22. The latter was reserve champion.
Frank Houghton Brown, who judged the bitches with the East Cornwall’s Neil Starsmore, said: “We were both struck by Carrot in the couples class. I thought she was outstanding and had everything: size, amazing movement, vitality and presence. She’s got great balance – you could never catch her wrong.”
FIRST-TIME FORTUNES
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change