Hunting’s ‘big night out’: Horn & Hound entrants revealed
The names of those taking part in a national horn-blowing competition vying to win the prestigious Horse & Hound Cup have been revealed. The event will take place at the Dubarry Horn & Hound Ball at Cheltenham racecourse on 23 April.
Coming from all over the country to raise funds for the Hunt Staff Benefit Society, the contestants will be judged by former winners Robert McCarthy (Percy Hunt) and Gary Barber (Pembrokeshire Hunt).
The candidates include last year’s runner-up Tony Holdsworth (Duke of Beaufort’s), John Holliday (Belvoir), Will Hanson (Fernie), James Pearson (Cury), Martyn Arnold (Geligaer Farmers), Andrew Sallis MFH (East Sussex & Romney Marsh), Richard Tyacke MFH (Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s), Nigel Bell MFH (Severn Vale Beagles), Jack Soames (Severn Vale Beagles) and James Warnett (Chilmark & Clifton Foot Beagles).
In addition to the hornblowing feature, the ball kicks off with a champagne reception courtesy of Pol Roger, followed by a delicious three-course dinner and dancing into the early hours to the popular band 29 Fingers. A bespoke money-can’t-buy silent auction containing some unique lots will take place throughout the evening.
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Now in its third year, the Horn & Hound Ball has secured Dubarry as the title sponsor.
Sam Butler, in his first year as chairman of the ball committee and chairman of the Warwickshire Hunt, said: “It is wonderful to have Dubarry on board, and we are also very pleased to have continuing support from Lycetts and the Coniston Hotel.
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“This is hunting’s big night out, where hunting people from all over Britain and Ireland come together to celebrate our sport, and it will be bigger and better than ever this year. We look forward to seeing as many representatives of different hunts as possible at Cheltenham on 23 April for a really special night.”
To secure your tickets for the ball, which cost £100, email HSBS2@mfha.co.uk or tel: 01285 653001
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Polly joined the Horse & Hound team in summer 2013. A former senior master of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, her hunting knowledge and contacts are second to none. She left Horse & Hound at the end of 2016 to join The Hunting Office.