There was a good night’s trailing for HTA enthusiasts at Wythop with pleasant weather and plenty of dogs.
Indeed 32 contested the opening senior trail with several who still have designs on the championship title.
Hunter’s Flame, who won last week at Wythop and who is only two behind table leader Duchess Ava could only manage fifth on this occasion.
Miterdale Duchess, who is three behind the leader, was fourth and has now been joined by the trail winner Jenny’s Quest.
Coming into sight Jenny’s Quest had the lead but had to fig in to hold off the fast-finishing Winterfell who had only been sixth coming off the fell into the last two fields.
Jenny’s Quest is currently being trained by Lisa and Edward Crosby of Whitehaven on behalf of Denise Bland.
Denise looks to have the puppy championship sewn-up with Huntsman’s Rebel although the bitch was beaten on this occasion.
In a field of 23 she was in the lead coming down off the fell but when they came into sight Foxparke Beep Beep had taken over by a few lengths.
She held on, much to the delight of Robyn, Neil and Ellie and is now just one behind Ned’s Gain in what seems to be a battle for runners-up slot.
She is clearly running well and several good judges noted how she looked a picture.
The final race of the night involved 22 open maidens and plenty showed on the finish with a chance.
In the end it was Tania Satterthwaite from Bridgefoot who was celebrating as Samcro held on by a few lengths to beat Malcolm and Ann Holmes Sweet Dreams.
There was a meeting at Shap on Sunday when the number of competing hounds was low.
There were eight seniors and it was a battle of the brothers with Barry Laidler’s Winterfell beating Roy Laidler’s Kirkhead Rebel.
Winterfell, who followed up with a good run at Wythop last night, is co-owned by Caroline Clough.
There were seven runners for the restricted trail and David Clifford’s Eden Rayna came on to win from Mark Bryden’s Eagle Rock.
The open pups went to Huntsman’s Tally one of Denise Bland’s hounds now being trained by Raymond and Glenis Farren from Frizington.
Alan Blacklock’s Busy Again was second of the five runners. She is usually thereabouts but often leaves herself too much to do, although she is a really quick finisher.
Only six contested the open maidens and it was Mark Bryden and Linda Neal’s Eagle Star who beat the Holmes’ Sweet Dreams.
September 20 – Wythop
Hounds – 1. Jenny’s Quest; 2. Winterfell; 3. Martha; 4. Miterdale Duchess; 5. Hunter’s Flame; 6. Cracking Last One Two. 31 ran, time 28.44.
Pups – 1. Foxparke Beep Beep; 2. Huntsman’s Rebel; 3. Foxparke Mysteriously; 4. Busy Again; 5. Huntsman’s Rally; 6. Silver Streak. 23 ran, time 17.41.
Open Maiden – 1. Samcro; 2. Sweet Dreams; 3. Tremour; 4. Foxparke Joey Elliot; 5. Meadow Maggie; 6. Foxparke Shackalackaboomboom. 22 ran, time 18.35.
September 18 – Shap
Hounds – 1. Winterfell; 2. Kirkhead Rebel; 3. Summer Spirit; 4. Sir Robert; 5. High Crag; 6. Eleanor’s Lass. 8 ran, time 29.13.
Restricted Hounds – 1. Eden Rayna; 2. Eagle Rock; 3. Howgill Meg; 4. Fly Me To The Moon; 5. Solitaire; 6. Hawkswood. 7 ran, time 32.15.
Pups – 1. Huntsman’s Rally; 2. Busy Again; 3. Malia; 4. Eagle Girl; 5. Chapel Stile. 5 ran, time 18.17.
Open Maiden – 1. Eagle Star; 2. Sweet Dreams; 3. Shine On; 4. Eagle Love; 5. Black Eyed Mist; 6. High Glen. 6 ran, time 18.50.
