Route Hunt Meet at Maddybenny Portrush

On Saturday 1^st Nov 2014,  22  Route hunt members, 2 Pony club members and 2 visitors  gathered at Morelli’s Lane, Maddybenny for the weekly Route hunt which had been prepared by Huntsman Jonny Butler. Hunt master Philip White welcomed everyone to Maddybenny and Billy Roulston presented best turned out male and female prizes to  Gerard McCloskey  and Norma Wilkinson respectively.

There was a short hack before entering a large stubble field where all were able to go for a gallop before the  first jump of the day which was a gently drop from one field into the next. There were a few more stubble fields with fences and hedges to tackle and a small stone wall before another hack which gave all a breather before  the hill climb where all enjoyed the view over Portrush and Portstewart.

Having climbed for the view it was then necessary to make the decent to reach the remaining jumps and hedges which lay ahead. For some the big drop fence came as a surprise as it was new to the venue but all managed to stay on board. All enjoyed a good canter along the sewage works  lane and were well prepared for the jump into the rough ground where the hounds enjoyed a good race round. At this point a few decided to take a short cut back to Maddybenny but the rest carried on enjoying more fences and hedges before  galloping over 3 point to point fences that had been set out in the stubble fields. Having been out for almost 3 hours, in rather blowy weather conditions, all were glad of the leek and potato soup,  wheaten bread and rolls which Eavan White served from the Maddybenny trailer. Hunt members thank huntsman Jonny Butler for another good day out , Eavan White for refreshments and the local  farmers and landowners who give the hunt the use of their land.

The next hunt is at 12 noon on Saturday 8th November .The organisers hope to see a good turnout of members and visitors and welcome anyone who wishes to follow the hunt on foot.

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Category: Hunting, News, Other, Results