Somerford Park played host to a good turnout of horses at this excellent venue. The weather was mixed varying from beautiful sunshine to tropical downpours! The route was excellent with good going throughout and virtually no stony tracks.

The venue is ideal being so conveniently situated close to the M6 and with excellent facilities. Indeed Phil Rice made the trip down from Scotland to be rewarded with a grade 1 in the 52km class.

The day as a whole proved to be popular with the horses too with an excellent 79% pass rate and 43% of combinations who completed gaining Grade 1’s. Indeed there were no failures in class 2 (52km Novice) and only a single failure in each of classes 1 (52km) and 4 (42km Novice).

The course for all classes started with the first 10km around the Somerford Farm ride with optional jumps and continued with minors roads and bridleways over towards Chelford and past the famous Jodrell Bank Telescopes and through the welcome Swettenham ford for a welcome cool down. The circular route was enjoyed by all those I spoke to on the day.

Louise Clark on her advanced horse Autumn Butterfly recorded the lowest post-ride pulse at 34bpm and was rewarded with a grade 1 for her efforts in the 52km class.

With an easy to follow route, good going and ideal situation this is certainly a ride to add to your diary for next year!