Great lots up for grabs

IT says a lot about the times in which we are living that a draw for order of running in a virtual eventing competition would prove the highlight of a weekday night.

Such was the case on Wednesday when competition presenter, Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes, picked numbered balls from a bucket in her yard and these were matched with riders’ names by commentator Spencer Sturmey who was charged with a glass of wine in the sitting room of his home.

First out of the bucket, which carried the name of competition title sponsor NAF, was Australia’s Warren Lamperd who will ‘enter’ his arena at 11am next Thursday morning while Germany’s Anna Siemer will get the action underway 24 hours later. The two Irish representatives, Fred Scala and Joseph Murphy, have been drawn for Friday, the former riding Corriebeg Vivendi as No 39 with Murphy competing as No 41 on Cesar V. Both are riding for the Mater Foundation and NHS Charities Together.

A trot-up with a difference, jointly-sponsored by Monbeg Sport Horses, can be viewed online at 6pm next Wednesday while live judging of the dressage phase will be conducted in four sessions over Thursday and Friday by Annabel Scrimgeour, Les Smith and Jane Tolley. The two jumping phases, which should provide plenty of entertainment, are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Further details regarding the timetable, shopping village, auction, raffle, etc can be found on the Virtual Eventing website. There are some great lots on offer in the worldwide auction including lessons with Joseph Murphy, Nicky Roncoroni and the Smith Brothers as well as boots from Tredstep and Dubarry. Those who have an interest in racing should also check out the lots.