Forestry U-turn is welcome change of heart

The BHS, which is the country’s largest equestrian charity, was concerned that the proposals to sell off the public forest estate contained no details as to how the permissive access that riders and carriage drivers enjoy in many of our forests would be preserved in the event of sales going ahead.

“The announcement will be a great relief to all equestrians. This has been a significant lobbying victory,” said Mark West, director of access, safety and welfare.

“However, we now need to make sure that the government lives up to its various pronouncements that it wants to see improved access for equestrians in our forests.

“The Forestry Commission should now dedicate rights of access for equestrians in our forests pursuant to section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, so that our access is never put in danger again.”

Our public forests provide the opportunity for safe off-road riding which is increasingly important as our roads become busier.

Riders from West Yorkshire recently had the chance to enjoy a day’s riding without the hazard of traffic, on this occasion thanks to the National Trust and Nostell Priory.

Members of the West Riding group of Endurance GB held their first ride of the season there with 64 horses and riders taking part.

Kerry Dawson of the West Riding group said: “The gentle terrain and plentiful off-road riding made the ride very popular for those riders getting their first taste of the area and of endurance riding.”

The route took in the parkland at Nostell Priory near Wakefield, surrounding bridleways, Wintersett and Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Woods.

Kevin Dessoy, the National Trust’s property manager at Nostell, said: “Historically, the family were very involved in Doncaster races, with horses being raced down the vista from the front of the house, so it was especially good to see the riders and horses enjoying the grounds.”

The next ride will take place at Brodsworth, near Doncaster, on March 6. For more information go to www.westridingegb.co.uk

The Brocklesby point-to-point takes place on Saturday at Brocklesby Park, Habrough, which is just off the A18 near Humberside Airport.

The first of eight races begins at 12.30pm and the organisers say the going is likely to be on the “soft side of good.” Many of the 134 entries are from Yorkshire.

The first race is the members race for the Countess of Yarborough Challenge Cup.

Another Grand, trained by Oliver Williams, could be a winner here after making a promising debut at Thorpe recently.

In the confined hunts event, Jo Mason has the choice of two horses, Liverpool and Wantage Road, both of which had wins at North Carlton.

Keen Whip also has a good chance here and will be ridden by Mark Walford.

The ladies open race is a qualifier for the £7,500 AGA Ladies Open Point to Point Championship Final Hunter Chase which will be held at Cheltenham on May 4.

The Mason family are expected to run the Grimthorpe Gold Cup winner, Poppy Day, who should take some beating.

Lutin de Moulin could also be in with a chance in this race.

The men’s open race should be interesting with the runners including Crozier, who performed well under rules for Sue Smith.

Now aged 11, he is trained by Marti Mulhall and is enjoying a new career.

Lord Daresbury’s former Aintree Foxhunter’s winner, Trust Fund, may run here or in the confined race and if in form would be hard to beat.

The restricted race has several Yorkshire entries.

These include Jacqui Coward’s ride, Lewesdon Tom, trained by her mother, Cherry.

The Bethell family has entered Boxbury who won a Maiden and Hunt Members race last season and is looking good this season.

There are three maiden races on Saturday – the Open Maiden has been divided and there will also be a PPA PPORA club members maiden for mares and fillies.

Guy Brewer is expected to have a busy meeting as he will feature in all three races.

Sporting memorabilia expert Graham Budd will be at Doncaster racecourse next Wednesday, March 2, where he will be giving free valuations for anything relating to sport, including racing.

So if you have ever wondered about the value of that collection of race cards that you have had for years, this could be the time to find out.

Budd, who works in association with Sotheby’s, said: “I am looking forward to coming to Doncaster as you never know what might be brought along.

“The market encompasses a wide variety of items including material relating directly to famous sporting celebrities such as medals, trophies and honours, as well as kit and clothing worn during their careers.

“Elsewhere, there is thriving interest in artefacts such as programmes, tickets, autographs, books, decorative and commemorative works of art, pictures, posters, prints and many other items of memorabilia.”

He is also interested in anything with an Olympic history.

Over the years he has sold several pieces relating to Doncaster.

These include a silver mounted plate, inscribed St. Leger Stakes, Doncaster 1961, won by Aurelias, Owned by Mrs Vera Lilly, trained by N. Murless and Ridden by L. Piggot. The plate sold for £200 in 2009.