QUITE a large number of people will have seen the short, to-the-point video uploaded to social media last Friday week by Andrew Napier as he drove the Hazeldene Farm lorry to the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival at Castle Irvine, Necarne.

For those who didn’t, Andrew’s sole male companion on the trip, his 11-year-old son Ben, sat quietly up front, concentrating on his mobile phone and contemplating spending his weekend whizzing around Necarne on his mountain bike. However, the four females including, daughter Izzy (12), were a lot more animated which resulted in Andrew posting the following caption ‘The joy of three days at pony club championships with this lot!’

Napier senior was, of course, confined to his feet at the Festival but he is competing at Vesey Lodge today, as is his wife Laura. He should have some peace and quiet on the cross-country phase at least and will enjoy more of the same over the next few days as he prepares the ground and fences for the upcoming Eventing Ireland Northern Region one-days at Hazeldene.

Both events, on Saturday next, May 10th, and Saturday fortnight, filled up almost immediately and neither of the Napiers are among the entries. The good news for those entered next Saturday, or those half-thinking of going in support but half-thinking of staying at home to watch Badminton, is that the Napiers will have a large screen in situ to show the cross-country action from the international event and there will be bar facilities as well. Keep an eye on the Hazeldene Facebook page for more information.

The couple’s support of the Pony Club movement will see them host the shoot, run and ride phases of the Area 17 Tetrathlon at Hazeldene in July while the swim phase will take place at the Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex in Newtownards.