The Ledbury’s Hayes Golden Button Challenge postponed

The Hayes Golden Button Challenge, the Ledbury’s New Year’s Eve hunt ride, has been postponed until 15 January.

Heavy snow and dismal forecasts meant the race was called off well in advance to give competitors and attendees a chance to reorganise their New Year.

Now into its fifth year the ride takes place by the banks of the River Severn between Forthampton and Tirley, and comprises a three-mile gallop across country.

Horses and riders jump some 25 fences consisting of natural hedges, timber and ditches.

Past winners are team chaser Yvonne Goss, flat-race jockey Eddie Ahern, point-to-point rider Patrick Millington and Grand National-winning jump jockey Paul Carberry.

There is also a team competition and human running race.

Sixty horses have already entered the race and those entries will stand, but the race has also been reopened.

If you would like to take part, contact Louise Daly, tel: 07721 1956599.

If ground conditions are still unsuitable for 15 January, it will be run on 12 February — either two weeks before or two weeks after the Melton Hunt Club Ride on 30 January.

The Ledbury hunt ball on 31 December will go ahead as planned.

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