Team Chasing - Belvoir 2009

Details of the 2009 Belvoir Team Chase, which will take place at Garthorpe Racecourse, Leicestershire on Sunday 13 September, have just been announced. Riders who want to experience the thrill of jumping over well-dressed timbered fences and manicured hedges on old Leicestershire turf, which always provides good going, should get their teams together and entries in as soon as possible.

Whether you have a happy hacker or posh thoroughbred, are a Hair Raiser or Tipsy Trotter there is something for everyone at this ever popular annual event.

Starting at 9.30am there will be three hunter trial classes – a pairs class followed by the Novice and Open solo classes. This latter class is new for 2009 and will run over the Novice team chase track.

Following on from that will be three team chase classes. These take the format of teams of four with the first three riders over the finish line to count. The fun class will take riders over a 1½ mile course with 23 fences between 2’9” and 3’ in height, with a bogey time set at the speed of a not fully fit novice hunter. The Intermediate class – ‘The Big One’ – will cover 1¾ miles over 29 fences up to 3’9” in height with the fastest team winning. The final class will be the Novice class over inviting fences up to 3’6”.

The Belvoir team chase is one of the first team chases of the season and, although it is not a qualifier for the Open team chase series, will see many of the big team names competing as a practise ‘warm up’ for the start of the main season’s events.

If competing is not for you but you enjoy horses and riding, team chasing is great fun for spectators. With the added value of trade stands, bar and food there will be something to keep everyone occupied. And if you have any ‘horsey’ things to clear out why not take along your car to the Equine Car Boot Sale – a great way to de-clutter unwanted equine items. To reserve a pitch at only £10 contact Mr Chandler Tel: 01949 860228.

The team chase depends on your support and the organisers are always grateful to the many local businesses who offer sponsorship. If you have a new, small or large business and would like to promote it at the team chase by sponsoring a jump or prizes then Caroline Harrison would be pleased to hear from you Tel: 07980 625813.

Want to know more?

Then visit the home of team chasing at www.teamchasing.co.uk for an entry form and schedule.

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For further information contact:

Ms Caroline Harrison Tel: 07980 625813.

David Selby, Organiser Tel: 01949 861140 Email: belvoirtc@langar.fsnet.co.uk

Whether posh thoroughbred or happy hacker, young or old there is something for everyone at the Belvoir team chase