Claire Hart joined Jane Williams once again at the top of the AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship table, and on the Saturday of the final weekend of Cheltenham qualifiers they were locked together on 46 points.
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| William gives the girls (Alex and Jacqueline) a pep talk |
That's not the end of the story as there are at least seven top lady riders within striking distance, and all have a tremendous chance of winning the brand new AGA Total Control cooker. Add to the equation the fact that 130+ horses have qualified for our final at Cheltenham and we really are in for a cracking evening on May 2nd as our series reaches a crescendo!
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| Our defending champ |
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| Here come the girls |
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| Beazo is like the pied piper |
Today was the day - rain or no rain - that we wanted to get some killer shots of the girls in their silks, preferably by the AGA van before the AGA Ladies Open. To do this you need a couple of things, Beazo - to point the camera, and some willing lady riders. Actually, lets make that three things as I'm forgetting that all of this wouldn't be possible without a couple of Yorkshire lasses to get everyone organised - you know who you are!
After Beazo had ensured everyone was in position he snapped away - I did too (naturally), and I'm looking forward to hearing what the girls think of the finished results. I normally have a bit of fun posting some pics on facebook and twitter but I've kept all of these back for the blog!
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| Claire, Hannah, Sam and Jacqueline ... Jane, they are after your crown! |
Chaddesley was noticable for the number of secretaries that we bumped into from previous meetings, among them Carol Clift (Duke of Beauforts), Robert Symonds (North Cotswold) and Christopher Marriott (Heythrop). Christopher is pictured below in the paddock with William McGrath (AGA Rangemaster CEO).
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| William and Christopher |
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| Harty |
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| Sammy |
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| Jacqui |
On paper the race looked to be between the first 3 in the betting and so it turned out, with Lady Myfanwy leading home Yorkshire raiders Optimistic Harry and Amicelli. Claire Hart's victory prompted shouts of 46 all from her uncle Simon Hart and his partner, as they let everyone know that Claire was now level on points with Jane Williams at the top of the table!
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| Uncle Simon (cap) lets William know it is now 46-46 |
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| Mrs S was one of the first to congratulate "Team Hart" |
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| A drink for a thirsty Optimistic Harry |
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| "He sulked" was the Coward verdict on Amicelli |
Mrs S disappeared after the race, only to emerge from the throng of people who were congratulating Myfanwy Miles and Claire Hart, she then dashed off to join the queue to be paid out - then headed for the nearest stall to buy a nice new top!
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| Claire and Myfanwy with the star of the show |
A large screen was showing the Scottish National and two very interested observers were Fergal and Jelly O' Brien as they cheered home their close pal Timmy Murphy on Merigo!
A large AGA clock was once again on display and Myfanwy Miles was the recipient for the second Saturday running, this time receiving her prize from William McGrath and Paul Tonks (AGA Rangemaster HR Director).
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| Myfanwy is not letting go of that trophy! |
More photo opportunities followed as I spotted the girls outside of their changing room in between races and persuaded them all to don a pink AGA "I'm In Total Control" polo shirt. They willingly agreed, despite the fact that the shirts were all XL ... no problem for these lovely ladies, they just put them on over their coats!
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| Don't look now, he's got his camera out again! |
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| Game for a laugh? Yes, every time! |
As ever the girls were game for a laugh and a nice crowd gathered to watch them all frolic in their new polo shirts ... pretty pink pointers!
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| Top girls! |
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| Jane and Claire ham it up! |
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| And guess who had to get in on the act? |
We were joined in the hospitality tent for a nice cup of tea by the two mischievous lasses from Yorkshire, Sam Drake and Jacqueline Coward, although the tea was a bit week for Jacqui ... at least I think that's what she said!
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| Tea for two ... even if it is weak! |
Harty then gave another interview, she's getting really good at this now ... she should be as this was her fourth!
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| Mrs S and strategically placed Racing Post Weekender |
Beazo sneaked a kiss following his interview and I grabbed a quick photo of Beazo and Claire with Chris and Derek, not the best one I've ever taken but one for the pointing archive nonetheless.
Well, another fantastic day, made all the better by our fabulous lady riders who once again stepped up to the mark, 46 all at the top of the table and it's off to Littlewindsor tomorrow for more pointing fun and frolics ... and no doubt a drop of rain!
