The HH point-to-point fixture at Hackwood Park (25 March) kicked off in unusual style with an invitational charity Flat race for members, riding their hunters, in aid of Sport Relief.
The 10 runners, all in hunting gear, negotiated one circuit of the track on mounts ranging from ex-showjumpers and polo ponies who were all seasoned hunters.
The field included H&H polo reporter Aurora Eastwood, who was narrowly beaten into second, and former Pony Club polo and racing chairman David Cowley.
The race, sponsored by Hattingley Valley Wines, was won by subscriber Sheena Robertson, who breaks and produces polo ponies.
She said: “I’d never done anything like this before – it was brilliant fun.
“Aurora and I were neck-and-neck until the final furlong, where my horse’s long stride just gave us the edge.”
Joint-organiser and joint-master of the HH, Peregrine Rowse, added: “The race was a great success and we raised £500 for Sport Relief.”
