“It’s the thrill of the chase! The speed. The sheer size of the hedges!” exclaims local rider Alex Belshaw at the thought of the Essex & Suffolk Team Chase. The annual fixture returns to Manor Farm, Semer on Sunday 4th November. Dubbed the Leicestershire of East Anglia, Semer boasts some sizable yet inviting hedges and good ground conditions.
In a season that has been fraught with cancellation due to the ground, the Suffolk fixture is all systems go with a fantastic grass cover and good going. “It has been such a shame to see so many cancellations due to the ground conditions this season. One minute it was snowing and bottomless and then next minute it was desert like conditions and rock solid going. We’ve been very lucky over here and have good going that should make for a thrilling season climax”, said Gillie Cranfield, organiser.
The final fixture of the season is certain to set fireworks ablaze with the exciting conclusion to the Foxdenton Intermediate League and the final qualifier for the Skinner’s Pet Food Open Championship. If that wasn’t enough the organisers have added two new classes to the schedule – a Novice Fastest and an Intermediate Bogey, giving competitors a variety of classes to suit the needs of their horses.
The only team chasing fixture in East Anglia welcomes a new sponsor for 2018 – True Royalty. The online streaming service for royal fans around the world, has joined the likes of NFU Mutual, All Season Fencing and Binders to support the ever popular Autumn fixture. ‘Thrusters’ from around the country will join local riders to compete for the £3,000 prize fund. An incredible team sport that thrives on adrenaline, it is fast and furious and certainly not for the faint of heart. Bravery and courage will be the prerequisite to succeed with a strong dose of humility and team spirit thrown in for good measure.
Contact Gillie Cranfield on 07768 708637.
The schedule can be downloaded here http://www.shht.co.uk/latest-news.html
