Essendon DRC 4^th Leg Winter league 28^th March 2004

The final leg of the winter league took place at Woodlands stables on 28^th March following cancellation of the original date due to adverse weather conditions. The usual relaxed atmosphere encouraged many new combinations to compete with riders coming from as far apart as Ascot & Braintree. The club has designed the format of the winter league to encourage riders to progress to higher levels in a supportive and friendly environment.

Trainer Kandice Trusler brought the attractive chestnut, Jack Rabbit to contest his first competition and were delighted to win the opening preliminary class and also achieve 3^rd in the second class. Kandice was particularly delighted with the attitude of this 8 year old who is now looking for a new home to take him forward. Winner of the second prelim was Tracey Gaylor and the locally bred Longmeads Aristocrat an striking black horse showing much promise particualrly in his trot work. The winners of the Preliminary winter league awards were Christine Denty with Four Leaf Clover and Tracey Woolmer with Pure Madness- the latter having recently represented the club at the Woodlands team event.

The novice classes saw victories for two of the most consistent combinations, Tracey Sillis with Beeston Basil and Maureen Keating with Ready to Rumble. They have enjoyed a close fought contest in the novice championships this winter and each took one of the league trophies with Tracey also securing one of the Elementary titles- no mean achievement at her first forays into this level. Maureen was also successful in the elementary class. One of the younger riders, Fiona McKay with Walsingham Dream – known as La-la to her friends- also had a succesful day with a 2^nd & 3^rd in the 2 novice classes. Janet Hughes-Hallett with Uncle Bri matched Fiona’s success on the day.

Essendon committee member Barbara Seeley was delighted with her performance in the Medium test, winning with some very positive and encouraging comments from official International judge Nick Williams who judged the higher level classes. Diana Cobley from Ascot and Helen Jakeman, a livery at Woodlands took the honours in the Advanced classes. This win ensured that Helen and the lovely Wendextra won the advanced trophy for a consistent performance over the season.

Despite not being able to attend the final leg Penny Lock and Benedetto, a shire/TB cross took both the higher elementary and Medium annual trophies and the veteran team of Pat Perkins and her coloured cob were reserve champions in the preliminary class.

Many thanks go from the organisers Kim Ratcliffe & Avril de Solla to all of the helpers and judges who made the day run so smoothly.