This AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship just gets better and better - Claire Hart and Lady Myfanwy triumph in Wales

A trip to South Wales kicked off our weekend of pointing action and we decided to forgo the joys of the M5 and take the scenic route - good choice. Not only was there plenty to look at on the way down, but the two and a half hour journey flew by and we were soon pulling on to the course. The first task after we park up is to find the secretary and take the prizes to the tent, but not this week, oh no, we needed to find the "Welsh Cake" stand!

Top bookie Mark Hill demonstrates the art of "multi-tasking"

It was overcast but dry, however, the breeze was stiff enough to force a return to the car after two minutes to retrieve my jacket ... but I kept the gloves firmly in my pocket (although I nearly gave in).

The AGA flags enjoying a good blow

These chaps have found a good viewing spot!

Familiar territory for Annie (and Sally)

The day started with an easy win for Chesnut Annie ... well, come-on, we were in Wales! She has already qualified for the final of our series following her win at Howick in February and we'd love to see Annie at Cheltenham in May ... we all have our fingers crossed that she will be there.

"I just sat there and steered" 

"I wish that had earned me another 10 AGA points ..."

Derek trying his best not to look lonely!

Grand National fever had now started to take hold, and with the majority of the layers taking bets on the big race the AGA Ladies Open was put back so that everyone could enjoy the commentary from Aintree.

The van in the background had a large TV in the back
and was soon to be surrounded by punters eager to
catch a glimpse of the big race

The AGA boys had already placed their bets before setting off for Wales and despite being tempted they resisted the urge to wade in again with the on-course bookies!

Chris is actually trying to get a signal so that he can place a bet on his mobile!

A field of 4 went to post for the AGA Ladies Open with the betting suggesting that we would have a match between Lady Myfanwy (Claire Hart) and Avesomeofthat (Hannah Lewis).

Hannah pre-race (above and below)

A leg up for Claire above, and
concentration below

Claire and Lady Myfanwy, with mum leading up

Good race! Clare got the better of Hannah to take her level on points with Jane Williams - who had a rare day off, and Hannah picked up another couple of points to consolidate her place in the top 5.

The winners enclosure, a familiar spot for Lady Myfanwy ...
and Claire! Mum is also delighted (below)

I just love these post race interviews!

It was a happy presentation and we just about managed to hold all of the prizes (with a little help), and Claire also received a very nice bunch of flowers for her efforts. Claire was very buoyant after the race and delighted to be sharing the lead at the top of our table with Jane Williams ... one thing is certain, the fight to win the brand new AGA will most definitely go right down to the wire

Is this the most prizes ever awarded for a Point-to-Point win?

We took a detour after racing so that Mrs S could see a bit more of Wales and experience the valleys, we also visited Aberfan to pay our respects at the Childrens Memorial, and that provided a very moving end to our lovely day in Wales.