Tabley is rather nice, and they also put on a mean spread in the hospitality tent! There was a nice buzz in the air and a good crowd building up as the runners entered the paddock for the first pony race. Then Derek spotted someone quite famous ... none other than Grand National winning trainer Donald McCain, who was leading his daughter up on her pony. That was too good an opportunity to miss so once the pony racing was over I pounced and asked Donald if he would mind having his photo taken by the AGA ... I'm pleased to say that he was happy to oblige!
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| When Donald met William ... |
I have to say that Donald is a very nice chap, he was happy to chat and pose for photos and I introduced him to our CEO William McGrath, who filled him in on the thrills and spills of our AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship.
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| William has a Winston Churchill moment! |
We were set fair for another head to head between Jane Williams and Claire Hart in their battle to be the AGA champion, and extra spice was added following the late booking of fellow title contender Jo Mason to ride Le Seychellois. Jo had not been back in the country long after a break in Italy ... where rumour has it she may have enjoyed a drink or two, but she was in great form and as ever was bubbly and full of fun.
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| I honestly have no idea what this conversation was about |
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| The lovely Jo Mason in the paddock before the AGA Ladies Open |
We like to choose best turned out before our race and have a chat with the owners in the paddock, I have also been known to take the odd photo while running a keen eye over the contestants ... the equine ones I hasten to add.
These photos have also been known to feature a strategically placed AGA banner, and these banners have been strategically placed by the master of strategically placed banners ... our very own Derek Martin!
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| Claire Hart, Power Shared and a strategically placed banner! |
Falls for Jo Mason (Le Seychellois) and Claire Hart (Power Shared) before we had reached the business end of the race left The General Lee (Lorna Brooke) and Swift Counsel (Jane Williams) to fight out the finish, followed home by Scotmail Too (Sue Sharratt) and Top Acheiver (Hannah James).
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| Jo Mason leads Jane Williams to post |
It was a good run from The General Lee but Swift Counsel was a ready winner, however, I am not the only one who would love to see these two line up in the AGA final at Cheltenham on May 2nd!
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A pat on the back for Lorna Brooke following her 2nd
place in the AGA Ladies Open |
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| Lorna gives Jim Squires the story of the race |
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| Jane Williams in a familiar pose |
The win put Jane back on top of the table by 4 points from Claire - whose reign lasted less than 24 hours ... however, it is who is in front at 7pm on May 2nd that will really count!
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| Beazo organising the presentation party |
William was joined by AGA Divisional Sales Manager Melissa Esplen-Metcalfe for the presentation, although Melissa did take some persuading as she is notoriously camera shy!
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| The fight for the Eddie Stobart lorry begins ... |
Post race we were joined by Jo Mason, who I'm pleased to say was none the worse for her fall - tough cookies these Yorkshire lasses! I introduced Jo to William and she entertained him with various tales, including the Lee Westwood story. What's that all about I hear you say? Well when Jo met Lee for the first time at grandad Mick Easterbys yard she asked him what he did for a living, when Lee replied that he was a golfer Jo asked him if he was any good ... "number 2 in the world" was the reply!
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| Lee who? |
We had a wonderful backdrop for the racing - Tabley Hall, and I couldn't resist another photo with yet another strategically placed AGA banner - see above.
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| Melissa looks ready for home |
Mobberley Riding School took a stand next to us and they had one of their fabulous side saddle displays - which proved to be rather popular throughout the day, and Jane Williams was only too happy to get a leg up for a photo opportunity with the girls.
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| The Mobberley crew with Jane looking as elegant as ever |
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Chris and Derek have a chuckle with Jo and her friend ... I wonder if
that was the Lee Westwood story? |
Any meeting would not be complete without a photo of me with one of our top lady riders and today was no exception as Derek joined me for a cheeky little photo with Jo and her pal!
See you all this weekend at Chaddesley Corbett and Littlewindsor ... it's going to be exciting!
