CLAIRE AND POLLY MAKE HISTORY THEIR OWN IN FRANCE!

16-10-2007

The brainchild of Christine Gohier, mother of English based amateur Jeremy Mahot and an active committee member of the racecourse committee at Nuilly–sur-Vicoin near Laval, 4 English amateurs enjoyed an unforgettable weekend’s racing on 14th and 15th October.

Polly Gundry made history on Saturday 14th October by becoming the first lady rider ever to complete the course in its 61st year!  On Sunday the remaining GB team members (Claire Allen, Dickie Barrett and Alex Merriam) completed the tricky 2 mile 3 furlong figure of 8 cross country course which includes a drop fence into a four foot river where many horses and riders come unstuck, before galloping up and around a mountainside and returning through the water.

In spite of both Dickie and Alex getting a soaking during their practice round, Alex went on to be placed 2nd and 4th with his 2 rides and Claire won for P Cottin on Narses in her first attempt.  A return exchange match is to be planned for the spring.  Congratulations to all of our riders for such a great display of horsemanship around this amazing course!