Saturday’s Jubilee trails at Sandale Heights will have a very special trophy on offer for the winner of the senior trail.
It’s the original trophy which was presented in 1953 for the Queen’s Coronation and it’s the only time it has been competed for.
Andy Horn, vice chairman of the Hound Trailing Association, has explained the background to the handsome trophy which will be back in the spotlight after nearly 70 years.
“This trophy suddenly appeared on eBay after all these years and I couldn’t believe it as our own trails were coming up for the jubilee. I thought we had to get it back to be competed for.
“The chap wanted £375 but I managed to do a deal for £300 and it’s going to be a superb prize for the winner of the senior trail.
“It is inscribed the Kirkbride and District Sports Club Coronation Cup, is solid silver and clearly steeped in history as it was only presented the once in 1953.
“The winning hound on that occasion was Bell Of All. She was owned by the Bell family who ran a haulage business in Carlisle.
“Saturday’s winner will keep the trophy for a year and then we will take it back and bring it out again at the next suitable royal occasion.”
Andy confirmed that all ticketing hounds, along with the prize money, will receive an engraved medal and a rosette with the winners of each trail also receiving a Glass Tankard and a Queen’s Jubilee Presentation Jacket.
“The weather forecast is looking good and we are all looking forward to a great days hound trailing,” he said.
The day’s action starts at 1pm with the senior trail and that will be followed by maidens, pups, puppy maidens, open restricted and veterans.
