Puissance Challenge helps donations soar

This month’s event included a host of activities from haircutting and colouring to a tombola and auction plus the ‘Macmillan Puissance Challenge’ in which local showjumpers took part in a battle of nerves.

Five riders took part to discover who would dare to attempt the highest jump with Mark Stubbs and Bioforce, and Judy Blackmore and Temple Wotsit sharing first place with attempts at 1.8m.

Also taking part was Sykehouse-based Phillip Curtis and his top horse White Spirit M.

The corresponding event last year raised £1,800 for charity and Sykehouse Arena’s Kathy Allen has revealed that target is likely to be succeeded.

“Everyone at Sykehouse Arena would like to pass on their thanks to the riders, local businesses and the local community who came together on a beautiful sunny Saturday to help raise funds for this fantastic charity,” said Allen.

“The large crowd got into the spirit of the event and most had never seen an event of its type.

“The riders enjoyed great banter with the crowd and it was the icing on the cake of an absolutely fantastic day.”

Clarissa Daly, wife of National Hunt trainer Henry, has taken over as the new chief executive of the Pony Racing Authority.

Daly succeeds Rebecca Davies (nee Morgan), who has been chief executive in a voluntary capacity since the PRA’s inauguration in 2007.

The role will be salaried for the first time with Daly – a former PR officer for the Countryside Alliance – describing the position as her “dream job.”

“I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity,” said Daly. “I am really looking forward to working with the Board of the PRA and the many others who help make Pony Racing happen.”