Winning Post

Into the breach

Well Monday's pony racing at South Tetcott point to point was flying by the seat of your pants stuff. As we legged the riders up on their ponies for the first race, the secretary came bearing news that the commentator was at least 30 minutes away from the course! Fortunately George Welch volunteered to have a go and, with someone helping him operate the equipment, he was raised up on the commentary box as the riders were half way to post! Luckily his knowledge of the riders, and enthusiasm for the sport, shone through and added a lot to the race which was really exciting with four of the ponies locked together a furlong from home. To my amazement our pony Ravara Super Ted won, following up on his victory at Bratton 10 days earlier, which was the icing on the cake.
 As those ponies unsaddled, Mary Jane Rayner found me to say that they couldn't saddle Flareon as she was playing up and they wanted to withdraw her. Well, we had had four overnight withdrawals and didn't want another, so all the parents put their heads together and eventually Ross and Amanda Darke managed to saddle the pony as it was led around. Chloe Grove had been gutted not to ride and was spurred on by the fact that she had actually managed to get to post - and duly went on to win after another four pony battle.
 Supporters have been asking if George Welch could have another go so he is busy mugging up on his pony racing knowledge ready for the finals at Umberleigh.