It was a cold but fortunately dry day at the Hughes family’s seasonal opener, where riders enjoyed a good spin over some excellent going and well-presented courses. Although the tracks were barely changed from those of last year, they asked plenty of questions, and produced tight results in almost every class. The removal of the step at the exit of the first water was well received by riders, and certainly added to the flow at the beginning of the track.

“We were never concerned about the ground, only that we would be able to cut and gather the grass in time, and fortunately we were able to do that the previous weekend,” said Colette Hughes. “I think this is the first time that we have clashed with Badminton so, in light of that, we are delighted with the size of the entry. Plans are to do some course changes in the summer, and in time for our next fixture in September.”