Tag: Rockingham

Highs and lows

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May already seems a blur – I really must look at my work/life balance! Badminton was a hoot, Ellie was back and it all went swimmingly (Media team, left). The only sad part was watching the retirement of one of my favourite horses of all time, last year’s winner Nereo.

Oliver Townend was named the new World number 1 following his Kentucky win and he increased his points lead with 2nd and 5th places at Badminton, but no Grand Slam. The pressure must have been immense.

Rockingham and Houghton Internationals followed in quick succession, the sun shone and every press officer’s dream – I got live TV coverage at both. BBC Look East came to Rockingham to film its Friday night sports programme, where Piggy French and Andrew Nicholson were wonderful interviewees, while it was ITV Anglia venturing to Houghton, chatting to Emily Lochore and filming the weekend weather forecast.

Growler also came to Houghton, to help Henry Symington and me judge the Best Dressed at the trot up which was exceedingly entertaining – fortunately Henry remembered to switch off his microphone at all the crucial moments.

I finally got my act together, and on the Sunday Catherine Austen and I found the best place from which to watch the Nations Cup cross country – it was extraordinary how many of the photographers papped us…

Sadly, yet again, a month concluded with bad news. Noel Linge, a true countryman, Norfolk man and gentleman died on 29th, at the age of 89. You couldn’t meet a more charming, twinkly person – super kind (he welcomed George – my horse – to stay when I first moved to Norfolk), he had time for everyone and nothing was ever too much trouble. I will miss him.

Photos © Julian Portch & Adam Fanthorpe

Bye bye Bertie

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I have survived my busiest month of the year – significantly less fit (not around for ‘boot camp’ sessions), probably half a stone heavier (diet of sandwiches) and with a complaining liver…. but it’s done for 2017.

First up was Badminton, and whilst I missed my usual partner in crime, Ellie, Steph did sterling work and the rest of the team were on great form. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but I do remember Nina chivvying us all out of the Media Centre on the Thursday evening just in time to catch the back end of the Cocktail Party. Badminton House is spectacular, and it is a huge privilege to have a good snoop around the paintings whilst sipping fine champagne and being fed scrumptious canapés.

The total highlight, however, was that Andrew Nicholson FINALLY won, on his 37th completion (must do the sums to see how often he started and didn’t complete). I don’t think there has ever been a more popular winner, or more tears shed by so many people, myself included. Epic.

I got home to find that Angel Horse had patently been partying too hard in the field, and was in dire need of a string of massages from the magic-fingered Sophie. He really is old enough to know better. With no riding I could at least keep on top of work, slip in a sneaky flight or two and spend a memorable, alcohol-fuelled evening with old friends from Lincolnshire days… did we really drink an entire bottle of port?

Before I could blink I was off to Rockingham International and 4 nights in the Best Western, Corby. Rockingham is such a great event, and this year was no different despite a couple of days of truly dire weather. The best hour was undoubtedly the one spent in the aforementioned Andrew Nicholson’s lorry while he was doing a radio interview – very entertaining, he is one happy man.

No rest for the wicked and it was on to Houghton International. The weather was glorious – bar half an hour of such heavy rain everything had to be stopped; horses and riders couldn’t even see the fences – and the Germans were on fire, winning the Nations Cup and taking a 1-2 in the 3*. Luckily client Piggy French flew the UK flag by winning both the 1* and the 2*.

There was, of course, more camel racing, organised by the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and this time I WAS a jockey. I haven’t laughed so much in months – and while I rather let Bertie down (didn’t kick hard enough!), it was brilliant fun; I can live with being beaten by Andreas Ostholt. I also love the fact that Bettina Hoy literally leapt off her winning horse, and on to a camel as the professional rider in the final. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me, am chuffed to say I raised £3,600.

So that was May. I’m now looking forward to a slower pace of life with just Blaston Show at the end of June. I say ‘just’ – it’s the Show’s 60th anniversary so I’d best pull my finger out.

All aboard the runaway train

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PigAs April turns in to May I always feel as though I am on a runaway train, there are nowhere near enough hours in the day and June seems a long way off.

Back to the start of the month and Barefoot Estates Burnham Market was a great success. The sun shone, there were no untoward dramas (although Andrew Nicholson hitting the deck was a heart in mouth moment), and the crowds came – we even had a future king who was spotted rolling down the side of ‘The Mound’ out on the cross country course. For the avoidance of doubt, I refer to the youngest generation here, not the helicopter pilot!

Oliver Townend yet again won the big class. He has a truly remarkable record at Burnham Market, having now won the CIC3* class an astonishing nine times: in 2007 and 2009 on Flint Curtis; 2008 Coup de Coeur; 2010 Ashdale Cruise Master; 2012 Pepper Anne; 2 x 2014 when two sections were held, Black Tie and Armada; 2015 Mr Hiho – with Armada 0.2 of a penalty behind in second place; and this year he posted another 1-2 riding Cooley Master Class and Note Worthy. Mighty impressive in anyone’s book.

Work for Blaston, Houghton and Rockingham is increasing and I head off to Mitsubishi Motors Badminton on Wednesday – with Michael Jung having won two legs of the Rolex Grand Slam, this week is going to be exciting. Both Ros Canter and Kathryn Robinson are taking on the ‘big one’ for the first time, and Manners Media is very chuffed to have a total of seven clients competing (Oliver Townend, Jeanette Brakewell, Giovanni Ugolotti, Harry Dzenis & Bill Levett). Trevor Holt is going to have his work cut out photographing that lot, on top of his other work!

My domestic arrangements have changed a little so I’m also trying to ‘sort’ stuff, get the garden under control and fit in some riding. I seem to have a new skill to add to my CV – mole catcher. The cats have become very adept at catching the critters and bringing them in for a party, but they then lose interest; a large funnel and table mat seems to be the optimum ‘release kit’.

I’ve finally got airborne again, after a six month break – it’s always a relief to discover you can still land successfully (not least for the poor person sitting beside me)! I’ve even been seen at ‘Action Dave’ work out classes – I’m astonished that I pay for the privilege of enduring such torture. Let’s hope it becomes less painful in time.