"I'm Isabel Tompsett and I'm In Total Control" - Isabel, Oaksey House and the Lambourn ladies all roll out the red carpet for AGA

The AGA van was on the road on Thursday as we paid a long awaited visit to Oaksey House in Lambourn to see our very special friend, Isabel Tompsett. I had arranged the visit with Isabel the previous week on the condition that I came after 4.30 - which is the time that Isabel returns from swimming. So, armed with copies of the entries for the weekends pointing fixtures, and some AGA goodies, we set out mid-afternoon and headed for Lambourn in our trusty van. 

There was a slight detour via Seven Barrows where we were given a guided tour of the set up by the very lovely Camilla Henderson. To be allowed inside at any time would be a privilege, but to be able to see the Festival team (and all of the other superstars) at close quarters less that a week before the greatest show on earth was amazing - thank you Camilla! The names just trip off the tongue, champions like Binocular, Punjabi and Long Run, and then some of the young pretenders like Darlan and Sprinter Sacre, plus another Gold Cup hopeful Burton Port, were all looking fit and well ahead of the pilgrimage to Gloucestershire.

I know it's another photo of the van but it's parked up inside 7 B's!

AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship update - fantastic support from lady riders all over the UK

As the title race really starts to warm up it is worth mentioning the support that our series is receiving from owners, trainers and particularly the lady riders. This is not confined to just one area, it is nationwide, and everything points to a thrilling climax to the season, with a very competitive final at Cheltenham in May.

The Shoe - Camilla Henderson (white), puts in a mighty leap in the Ladies
Open at The Ross Harriers Hunt meeting at Garnons on Sunday (04/03)

The support has ensured that the Ladies Open races have been hugely competitive affairs and we have at least 20 ladies in with a real shout of winning the title, although with 10 points for a win a couple of wins could easily propel you into the top ten whatever your current position!

Yorkshire girls before the AGA Ladies Open at Charm Park at the
Derwent Hunt meeting on Sunday (04/03)

Winning rider interviewed following every AGA race - post race interviews by John Beasley

Following every AGA race you will see Beazo setting up a tripod by the AGA van, and then brandishing a rather smart looking microphone. You will also see a "girl by the AGA", not the original "Girl by the AGA" - Laura James, but the lady rider who has just won our race and bagged herself 10 points. You will know that they have won 10 points if you witness the post race presentation because you will see the AGA lollipop being brandished - see below.

Frankie Hickman becomes the latest lucky
winner to hold the 10 point lollipop!

Following the presentation the lucky lady is then interviewed by Beazo, and the video is usually edited and online by the time we have made our way home. Beazo is very often the last person to leave the course and you will often see him huddled in a corner with his camera attached to his laptop. You can view John's latest effort here - Frankie Hickman - Tweseldown and this really does prove that John can cope with whatever mother nature decides to throw at him!