It was like going into the unknown as we all arrived at the grandiose
venue of the once Seale Hayne college.Maybe some of us sensed this was
not going to be a normal hash with the news the on down had been changed
and a farmer had scuppered some of Rearenders at the last minute. We
were told the short was about 3 miles and the long was about 6 miles but
we know what Rearenders miles are !However the runners (Grand National
coming soon!) started on a warm up lap of the grounds
and soon half the field either fell or were pulled up- some say some
should even be put down ! The rest of us soon started the course proper
and headed up to a hilltop for glorious views -well there would have
been on a nice day.Then down through some woods to a lane by which time
Wetfart must have burst a blood vessel and turned back ? Not sure what
happened next to most of the others as the field was well strung out by
now but I believe Mouldy Dick and some others tried to short cut but
ended up doing the opposite. As you know its not always best to be at
the front so myself Rent Boy,Cold Tits,Doris.Georgy,Piltdown decided to
hang back for a sprint finish.However even this small field manged to
get split up only to be all rounded up by Rearender looking for
stragglers Unfortunately she wasn't to know most of the others had
bolted and were scattered all over the countryside ! I think we were all
gratefull that Rearender guided us back to the finish even though she
led us astray at times-let's face it one gate looks like another in the
dark! Well as we all know the short was more like 6 miles and the long
8.5 .All I can say is many thanks to Rearender for an unforgetable epic -
it's not easy laying a trail at this time of the year epecially on your
own-well done
Down downs to Mouldy ,Wetpatch for a scarce visit,U Bend for a swollen fetlock ! and Pidler for being Pidler ie an old nag !