LUSK Equestrian held their Halloween Derby on Sunday, October 27th with a 15-fence course including two doubles, one treble - the devils dyke - and a quadruple, which included the bank and Derby rails, with fences adorned with pumpkins and witches, and even skeletons!

There were competitors walking the course from Friday, with discussions of how they would ride the four elements of the Derby bank and rails. It was also interesting that on Sunday evening not one person had knocked the Derby rails, and 90% of competitors were faultless at the bank complex.

The 1m class produced only three clear rounds to jump-off against the clock for the prizes. First to go was Jason McKeown with Shiraz looking so impressive to claim top spot. He went round in a blistering time, but was shocked to hear the judge announce elimination as he had missed fence six.

Rachel McCaughey and Arlen Stardust had a great try, but lowered one pole to finish on four faults. It was left to Max McDonnell and Knocklucas Chloe to do the sensible thing and go round clear to claim the first place rosette.

The 85cm class produced seven clears in the first round, which looked sure for an exciting jump-off. Lesley Coey and Alfie were first to go and went around in an unbelievable time of 35.85 seconds, loudly encouraged by her boyfriend Rory, who was trying to video on the sideline. Try as the next six riders would, no one could better Lesley’s time. Wendy Finlay and Pebbles came closest with a clear in 36.23, with Karina McVeigh on Cococabana, so aptly dressed with a pumpkin hat, in third spot on 37.31.

The 70cm class, like the 1m, only produced three clears, one of which - Kirsty Jackson and Dani – had to withdraw from the jump-off as children duties called her home. It was left to Ella Morrison and Indie, who jumped a beautiful clear with some great turns to claim the top spot, to the great excitement of mum and dad, Karen and Nick.

A dressage series is the next event at Lusk’s starting on Sunday, November 10th, with entries as usual to Sarah on 07840 117132.