Dianas of the Chase

On February 2, 2013, the Dianas of the Chase race sponsored by Bernard Weatherill (which was the first ladies steeplechase race held since World War Two), was held in Quorn hunting territory at Ingarsby Old Hall.



Unfortunately, I missed the actual race due to traffic mishaps but got there at the end to see the muddy aftermath and the wide smiles on all the side saddle riders.

Luckily, there are some thrilling videos of it on You Tube for everyone who could not attend such as this one:


and this one...


The legendary Susan Oakes (saddle cloth number 10), ended up winning the race and I managed to take some photos of the riders after the race. If any of you ladies recognize yourselves in the photos, please let me know so that I can identify you in them.

I think you will be able to tell by the muddy habits and the happy smiles, that a good time was had by all!













I was also amazed by the size of some beautiful horse lorries too! I could happily travel Hattie in one of them :) There were quite a few spectators who turned up to watch the race too so this sleepy little village had a bit of a traffic problem at one point.



Side saddle race riders coming back to untack and relax after a hard day's racing!



The outside of Ingarsby Old Hall...


and the courtyard at the back of it where the awards presentation was held...



The winners of the Bernard Weatherill Side Sadde Steeplechase race as well as The Household Cavalry Race...


A beautiful Whippy side saddle for sale which was on display in the courtyard (it looked like it would fit Hattie!)...


along with the saddle cloths used during the side saddle race.


The beautiful views of Ingarsby...




and the history of the village...


Although I don't think Hattie and I will be doing the Dianas of the Chase race any time soon, we did "pretend" the next day by galloping and jumping over the ditches filled with rainwater which line the edge of the lane that we hack down!