THIRTY horses and riders were cheered on by some 300 spectators in a five-mile amateur race around a historic Wyeside estate.

The recent annual Courtfield Cup Scurry League race held at the estate of the same name near Goodrich, was organised by Ross Harriers, one of the oldest hunts in the land founded more than two centuries ago.

It was a suitably historic location as well, with the race taking place at the invitation of the Vaughan family, who have owned Courtfield since 1563, and which more than 170 years previous to that was reputedly the childhood home of the future King Henry V.

The event, which carried some £2,750 in prize money, ran through open fields and woodland, with more than 20 jumps including hedges, walls, Irish banks, water obstacles, gates and traditional post and rail fences.

The jumps incorporated natural features, and there were longer routes around most jumps available, with no jump obligatory.

A Ross Harriers spokesperson said: "The idea behind the event is to show our support for the hunting community by offering an opportunity for the reasonably experienced rider to enjoy the challenge of riding against fellow hunting enthusiasts.

"If you have a hunting-fit horse, that is all you will need to enter and enjoy yourself."

Maurice Linehan riding Heros de Romay won the race, to claim the £1,500 first-place prize.

And second winning £750 was Immy Robinson on The Dellercheckout followed in third taking £500 by Guy Sankey on My Friend Freddie.

Meanwhile, King’s Caple jump race trainer Venetia Williams was celebrating victory by a neck from Woolhope rival Tom Lacey at Ffos Las earlier this month, as Ned Fox rode 18/1 shot Galop de Chasse to victory in the £9,000 Sean Bowen Champion Jockey Handicap Chase, pipping the latter’s 9/2 chance Imperial Alex under Stan Sheppard.