The missing AGA blog from Yorkshire - Another great Yorkshire adventure and a well deserved win for Jo Mason

We were back in Yorkshire for an Easter weekend treat at Hornby Castle and as ever Michael and Sara from Country Warmth were on hand to record the days events for us. At long last I am pleased to say that the guest blog from Sara is ready ... here goes!

JO IS QUEEN OF THE CASTLE!

Guest blog by Sara Ashby-Arnold of Country Warmth

 

A big well done to Jo Mason, the winner of the AGA Ladies Open race at Hornby Castle. 

 

The weather looked grim as we drove the show trailer through the deer park gates and on to the old turf surrounding Hornby Castle - the home of the Bedale hunt point-to-point. However, the grey skies did not put off the punters who turned out in force for this Easter Saturday meeting.

 

We nestled our show trailer next to the lovely people at Field House Saddlery on our left and I'Anson feeds on our right, both local businesses with strong connections to many of the Bedale field.

The show trailer - "Nestled"

By the time the first race started the weather had relented and we even had some sunshine, yes it was actually warm enough to crack open the rose wine ... although of course there were those individuals unable to share due to the rigours of lent! Even Charlotte the multi-skilled race announcer was unable to eat our special chocolate cake because chocolate was given up for lent. (Gosh did I feel an unholy person drinking wine and eating choccies).

Jane goes clear again after being pegged back on Saturday ... she really wants this AGA!

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!

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.

William has a Winston Churchill moment!

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.