Kings Troop Put Training into Practice

There was feeling of apprehension for all those involved as half of the horses and jockeys in the race were undertaking a point to point for the first time but all looked calm and collected in the paddock and down at the start.

The start of the 2m 4f went off without incident but we lost LBdr Campbell Charters in the early stages after issues with 'stickability' at the first. Horses and jockeys settled into a rhythm in front of the crowd and all was well until Gunner McGuffie struggled to keep her stirrups after a rapid change in direction by her horse Highfield (beaten a short head last year) who thought the paddock looked more inviting than the 3rd fence. The two parted company after a valiant effort at a regain was made by the soldier in question.

Gunner Frost left the main pack at the open ditch but the rest continued at a steady pace towards the hill with Captain Wallace and Sgt Dennis setting the pace from the front. This continued to the 3rd last where LBdr Gostling ran into trouble with Reflection (last year's winner) and the remainder kicked on into the final two flights. Sgt Dennis on the favourite, Rockport (who successfully completed this year's Melton Hunt Race) drew upsides the leader Capt Wallace on Blackadder over the last and went on to win by a length at the line, the remainder of the field not far behind.

A large proportion of the horses in this year's race will go on to fulfil their normal role as ceremonial horses on parade in London, which will include all the State Ceremonial commitments, in particular The Queen's Life Guard and The Queen's Birthday Parade.

Report by Captain Harry Wallace, Kings Troop