THE British organisation Retraining of Racehorses held the final of its Racing to Hunting Challenge last Sunday at Aintree, countryside day at the Liverpool track.

Seeing off four others to claim the title was the former Oliver Sherwood-trained Brumous who has been owned and well-hunted since 2009 by former Irish international event rider Melanie Duff (nee O’Brien).

Each of the finalists was required to take part in two judging stages throughout the day.

The first, which followed the Countryside Alliance charity race, was held in the racecourse Wash Down Area where head judge, Mike Tucker, set the course. Riders tackled two jumps, one being a large oxer, they then had to open, pass through and close a small hunting gate before jumping the final fence. The next stage saw horses and riders gathered with the Holcombe Harriers for a parade where their behaviour with hounds was assessed.

The judges announced their decision as all five finalists gathered in the winner’s enclosure following the Old Roan Chase and Melanie was presented with a cheque for £2,500 and a rug, while the other riders each received an RoR decanter and tumbler set. The 17-year-old Brumous, who won a point-to-point, a hurdle and a chase, is by Glacial Storm and was bred by Patrick McNamara out of a Royal Vulcan mare.

“I’m thrilled to have won and couldn’t have done it without real team work,” commented the winning rider, who hunts with the Vale of the White Horse.

“I’m privileged to have him, he’s an absolute saint and as good a hunter anyone could wish for. He’s a pleasure to do in all ways and has been half asleep all day which is a testament to his incredible nature.”

Melanie represented Ireland many times and, riding Rathlin Roe, was on the team which competed at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.