Hunting Life
Having scored several victories in hunt rides when ridden by Rowan Cope, the brilliant ex-racehorse Arthur gives Rowan’s wife Lydia her first victory when taking the Wynnstay hunt race by a wide margin
Brilliant hunt ride horse, Arthur, continues his success and more
LYDIA COPE scored her first hunt ride victory at the Wynnstay’s three-mile contest, riding the Old Vic-sired nine-year-old Arthur, on whom her husband Rowan won both the Melton Hunt Club Ride and the Harborough Hunts Club Ride last season.
“I do all the work at home on the flat with Arthur and have hunted him quite a bit, but I did feel a lot of pressure about riding him in a race, so I didn’t tell anyone about it,” said Lydia. “I rode in the Harborough before I had children, but I haven’t done anything like this for ages.
“Arthur was his brilliant self as usual and led from the front — I was on my own for the majority of the race. I loved it — at least I did when I got past the finishing post!”
Lydia’s lead was briefly challenged by Josh Guerriero and Oyster Shell, but Arthur’s speed and jumping ability meant they won comfortably.
The Wynnstay’s Oliver Greenall finished second on Threapwood, while Larry Brown was third with Musical Wedge.
Both Zoe Gibson and Dickie Barratt fell, while Matthew Mackley and Rowan Cope — who was introducing a young horse, JP, to the challenges of hunt rides — pulled up a few fences from home.
“It was tiring ground and heavy in places, but the course was great and Arthur is so well that he stopped blowing really quickly,” said Lydia.
The race was postponed a week due to the snow, and a small but high-quality field of 13 took part. The Wynnstay hunting season is over, so instead of the traditional day’s hunting that follows this race, the organisers offered a ride around the course and its environs, escorted by Oliver Greenall.
“This proved very successful and everyone who took part really seemed to enjoy it — and it was fun for the spectators too,” said Shirley Carter.