BORDER NEWS
Many thanks to Barbara Telford for supplying these reports:
Saturday 29th October, Middlemoss, Langholm.
The final fixture of the BHTA season took place at Middlemoss on the heather clad hills above Langholm. The weather deteriorated as the meeting progressed, cool, cloudy and windy to start, pouring with rain by the end, but supporters were not deterred. Thanks to generous sponsorship and donations, the event raised £300 for the 'Langholm Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch'.
The Senior trail featured seven runners, led home by Teddy Storrow's, 2011 Senior Champion, Jacko. The championship race between Jacko, and Kerry and Anna Lindsay's runner up, Prancer was a close run contest through the season, Jacko eventually winning on 188 points from Prancer with 155.
There were only three runners in the senior graded race, which was won comfortably by Jenny Horn's Spring Rambler, from Border Pal and Georgie's Girl.
The puppy show at half time was won by Sandra Mordue's bitch puppy Heidi(Newman/Silver Birch) and Claire Crone's dog puppy from the same litter was runner up.
Six runners contested the Puppy race, by this time visability was poor, after the road crossing two hounds had a lead over the rest, with some debate as to their identity, Ian and Barbara Telford's Theme pulled away from Class Mackintosh to win with ease, her kennel mate and Puppy Champion Text had to settle for fourth place.
Callum Ridley's Insight was the easy winner of the Puppy Graded trail, a very popular winner. Delta Devine took second ticket, these two had a good lead over the next group, Shellstar Boy, all the way from Sunderland, was third.
The Veteran Championship was still in the balance, when the five runners were slipped. Doreen and Jeff Philipson's Skylark just held on to win the race but Newman's second place was enough to secure the title for the Crone family.
Newman became the tenth champion bred by Ian and Barbara Telford from their remarkable bitch, Jigsaw, this year her offspring are both Champion and runner up in both BHTA and HTA.
Sunday 25th September, Sorbie's Farm.
Sorbie's Farm on the A7 north of Langholm hosts the Langholm Show trails, the trails survived even though the Annual Show was cancelled due to the wet ground. The weather was windy and overcast, the rain held off until half time!
Viewing of the runners is limited at this fixture, the eleven runners in the senior race were only seen from the field in the last two minutes, The Telford's Tune led into sight with a good few yards lead over Delta Disco and Eagle Heart, her lead was considerably less as she crossed the line.
In the senior maiden race, it was a very close finish between Doreen and Jeff Philipson's Skylark and Tunstall and Burgon's Georgie's Girl, these two well clear of the third hound Gizmo.
Puppy winner Text made it a double for Ian and Barbara Telford, with a two length win over Houxty Wood and Class Mackintosh.
The puppy graded race was saw Cleveland land the first leg of a double for trainers Carol Tunstall and George Burgon, with a very easy win over Sparkling Ruby and Fire Babe. Their veteran winner Houxty Beck was a little fortunate when the two leaders Delta Star and Newman decided to add a detour in the last field allowing him through to claim the win.
Sunday 11th September, Edges Green, Open Charity Trails.
This new venture for the BHTA, was the inspiration of our president Jennie Horn, who along with a lot of other willing, helpful and very generous people made it a hugely successful event. The grand total of £2000 raised will be divided equally between the two nominated charities, Hospice at Home (Eden) and The Great North Air Ambulance .
There were generously sponsored trails for all grades of hounds, including a race for hounds from the Yorkshire and Irish Associations. Unfortunately there were no Irish entries, probably because Hurricane Katia made crossing the Irish Sea too risky! The Yorkshire Association were well represented with fourteen runners, Ocean Storm, By Chance, Dairy Pearl, Bantry Bay, Westgate Jimmy, Spring Rhythm and Ocean Spray took the first seven tickets and rosettes, to the delight of their owners.
There was a £20 prize, sponsored by Free Betting.co.uk for the best looking hound in each race. Winners were Tune, Gizmo, Houxty Wood, Dairy Peach, Ocean Spray and Mandesha.
There was a good turn out of hounds and supporters from each association, making for a very sociable afternoon, unspoiled by the unpredictable weather.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event
Saturday 3rd September, Westerkirk Show.
Known locally as the Benty Show, the finish for this trail has caused equal amounts of consternation for owners and entertainment for the spectators, as the hounds jump from the road onto the riverbank, they either take to the water and cross or falter!
After a morning of heavy rain the river level was still rising, so the decision was made to catch the hounds before they reached the road and river.
There were ten slipped in the senior race, Teddy Storrow's Jacko, last years winner, went off odds on favourite, he duly obliged coming over the hill, and down the long drop in, with a few yards lead over Denman, Tune was a clear third.
Of the eleven senior graded runners, at least half of them had a chance over the top, Willie Telford's Fire Cracker and Georgie's Girl took a few lengths lead and had a great race to the line, with Fire Cracker just ahead in front of the judge.
Eight pups took part in the next race, Bill Aitchison's Houxty Wood held his lead from the top with Theme and Class Mackintosh in his wake.
Unfortunately none of the graded puppy field of twelve managed to negotiate the trail and all returned to the start.
Sunday 21st August, Sewingshields.
Roman wall country was the spectacular backdrop for the Bitch Produce fixture.
Perfect trailing weather, dry, cool, and damp underfoot.
First up the senior trail, ten runners, with Prancer the bookies favourite.
Ten minutes into the race Prancer and Jacko were leading the field, closely followed by Spring Roamer and Eagle Heart, these four hounds held the first four places throughout the race. Emerging from the bracken bed on the finish a tremendous race for the line followed with each of the three leaders taking a turn in front, Kerry and Anna Lindsay's Prancer timed his run to perfection coming through to take first place a length ahead of Spring Roamer and Jacko.
The senior graded trail produced another close finish, Tune and Denman had led passed the field with Delta Diva and Summer Virtue close up. Out of the bracken Delta Diva and Tune were just in front but the Mark's Summer Virtue finished strongly to win by a length.
Six runners went off in the Bitch Produce race, with Ian and Barbara Telford's Text starting favourite, their other hound Theme was leading the field at the half way stage. These two,(Dairy One/Jigsaw) pups came onto the finish with a comfortable lead over Sparkling Ruby (Houxty Beck/Sparkling Pearl) and Eagle Loyal (Freedom/Eagle Gill), Text came on to win by four lengths from her sister Theme.
In the Puppy trail Bill Aitchison's Houxty wood, made all the running to win easily from Skye and Spring Ridge.
The Crone family's Newman continued to add to his Veteran Championship points, with a win from the Robinson's Delta pair Dancer and Star.
Sunday 14th August, Spadeadam Farm.
Following a morning of heavy showers the weather was dry and breezy with sunny intervals, for the Bewcastle Hunt Trails at Spadeadam Farm.
Eight senior hounds were slipped, Trust and Prancer lead up the hill and out of sight.
Coming back into view down the wood side the runners always look well spread out, as they passed the trail field Prancer and Jacko led from Trust and Spring Roamer.
Over the hill top on to the finish Prancer had a good ten yards lead from Jacko, Trust and Spring Roamer, in the dip out of sight of the catchers but seen from the road, Prancer was knocked off his feet by a sheep, leaving the other three the finish ahead of him.
Next was the puppy trail, eleven runners, led out of sight by Theme, Text and Houxty Wood. Dropping back down the hill and passed the field, the same three had a comfortable lead. Into sight on to the finish Text was just in front, increasing her lead on the whistle, Theme moved up to take second place from Houxty Wood.
In the Open Graded Tune led from Houxty Beck on the outward climb, passed the field, and onto the finish, winning comfortably from Lotto which produced a flying finish to beat Houxty Beck.
Georgie's girl a course winner last month, was at the head of affairs as the runners in the open maiden trail went passed. Her lead had increased as she came onto the finish clear of the Delta duo Dancer and Star.
Saturday 6th August, Middlemoss.
Langholm rough heather clad hills were the venue for the Dog Produce, the weather was wet and cool, more October than august.
There were only five senior hounds slipped. Viewing would normally be possible about 18 minutes into the trail, but visability was poor, it was only possible to pick out three hounds with a good lead. They came onto the first part of the mostly heather finish with Trust, Prancer and Jacko all with a chance. Trust led onto the last cleaner stretch, but was overtaken by her younger rival Jacko a length before the line.
The Telford's had better luck in the senior graded trail, with Tune leading from the first road crossing, she increased this lead to win easily from Lotto and Amber Gem.
Eight pups contested the Dog Produce trail. Houxty Wood, had a very nice lead when the runners were seen briefly just passed half way. Dropping in under the Monument, after the road crossing Houxty Wood had probably extended his lead , he went on to win unchallenged. Houxty Wood, is a Houxty Beck/Sparking Pearl pup owned by Bill Aitchison and trained by William Mark. The Lindsay's Dasher (Dairy One / Jigsaw) was second with Skye (Westgate Ruler/Silver Birch) in third place.
The closest finish of the day was in the puppy trail when Silver by Nature just got up to beat Theme on the line making it a winning double, for the Teddy Storrow and Sandra Mordue, owners of the senior winner.
The veteran trail saw the table leaders Newman and Houxty Beck in another battle for points. The Crone's Newman was the winner is clash, with Skylark in third place.
Friday 29th July, Langholm Common Riding.
At 6:30am the crowd gathered on the road side in the shadow of the Langholm Monument to watch twenty hounds start the long anticipated Common Riding trail.
The weather was kind, visability good and the midges hungry.
From the slip the dogs could be seen for a mile or more, three hounds gaining a good lead before going out of sight. Reports from the road crossing were Jacko, Houxty Beck and Denman with a clear lead over the next bunch of hounds. After the road crossing the hounds can be seen climbing the hill on other side of the valley and crossing the tops, at this point Jacko and Houxty Beck had maintained their lead, the chasing pack was headed by Tune, Castle Corrie and Spring Dream. The hounds dropped in out of sight, to the last tricky road crossing, and climb the last steep incline to appear over the top on to the rough finish.
Houxty Beck and Jacko both took turns to lead, Teddy Storrow's Jacko had a length or so lead over the line, to claim the coveted title "Common Riding Winner".
Tune, Spring Dream, Castle Corrie and Prancer took the remaining tickets. The special prize for the first maidens to finish went to Georgie's Girl.
Sunday 10th July, Rogersceugh.
Warm and sunny weather was the order of the day for the Non Produce Puppy Trail.
There were six HTA bred pups slipped. Four hounds gained a lead shortly after the slip as they turned out of the fields and onto the moss, This group remained pretty much the same around the edge of the moss and back into the fields to the finish.
Peter and Norma Mould's Dinky(Jackpot/Alfresco) came with a burst of speed in the last field to beat Miss Ellie(Cannavaro/Honesty) and Fire Babe(Gigolo/Meadow Breeze) in a very close finish.
The first race of the day was the seniors, they struggled this time to follow this newly designed trail, following the serious fire on the moss in May. Only four hounds finished, Tune lead off the moss and into the last field to be passed on the line by Teddy Storrow's Jacko.
There was a very close finish in the senior graded trail when Willie Telford's Fire Cracker just got up to beat Eagle Heart and Mandesha.
The puppy trail produce another close finish after the runners struggled to get out of the fields and onto the moss. Five hounds had a substantial lead around the moss edge, the Telford's Theme made good progress to reduce the gap, as they returned to the fields Theme was ahead of the group only to be overtaken near the line by Corrine Metcalfe's Class Mackintosh.
The last race of the day was the Veterans, five participants, led from the start by Houxty Beck and Newman. The same two dogs came together into the last field, where Newman proved to be the strongest finisher.
Sunday 3rd July, Walton.
The first Association Trail of the season was held at Walton, in glorious sunshine
There was a small field in the seniors, but a quality seven runners took part.
Crossing the road and out onto the moss Port Magee was setting the pace just ahead of Prancer, even at this early stage these two were in charge. The same two dogs appeared on the finish with a very comfortable lead, Kerry and Anna Lindsay's Prancer winning by 2-3 lengths, Jacko was third. In form Prancer was scoring his third win of the week.
The first of the senior graded trails was next, sixteen runners lined up.
Castle Cairn and Houxty Beck were at the head of the race over the road, and possibly along the moss edge. Things had changed when the runners appeared on the finish, Sarah and Hartley Robinson's Delta Diva and Delta Disco and Linda Neale's Eagle Heart were all in with a chance , it was very close on the line the verdict going to Disco, Eagle and Diva in that order.
Linda had better luck in the puppy trail when Eagle Loyal, led the 13 runners on to the finish, she held on from the Philipson's fast finishing Skye.
Surprisingly there were thirteen open maiden qualifiers. Anita Crone's Mandesha was just ahead of Delta Star over the skyline on to the long, slightly downhill, finish, but neither of them could hold off a determined finish by Willie Telford's Fire Cracker.
Saturday 2nd July, Newcastleton.
The early morning Puppy Trail at Newcastleton on the first saturday in July, is part of the Weekend Music Festival celebrations, known locally as the Copshaw Common Riding.
It was a beautiful morning up on the hill, the midges thought so too!
Twelve pups lined up for the 7:32am(precisely) start.
Off they went unaware of the pressure on them to win the this race, generous prize money, embroidered coat and silver trophy, to be presented in the town square later by the most important person of the day "the Tub"!.
The runners came into sight, on the far hill, heading for home, in a staggered line, dropping out of view for a couple of minutes. Over the top of the next hill they had bunched up, all in with a chance. As they headed for the finish the undulating ground gave us a few glimpses of the dogs, the winner was close up along with the fancied runners Text, Theme and Talisman. The last two hundred yards were very rough going, but this did not deter the William Mark trained Houxty Wood, co-owned by Bill Aitchison, he gained a couple of yards lead and held on gamely to win from Theme and Text. There was added prize money for the first three maiden pups to cross the line these went to the winner, Houxty Wood, Castle Douglas (5th) and Skye(6th).
Saturday 25th June, Sorbie's Farm, Langholm.
I was sure the weather forecast said the cloud would clear and there would be some sunshine in the afternoon, that was not the case over the border at Sorbie's Farm, it was damp, misty and cool.
The trails were pretty much the same, but the usual field was deemed too wet, so we moved up the road to Eskdalemuir. Unfortunately viewing was not good.
There was a small select field of five runners for the seniors, they were all in with a chance when they appeared on the top of the hill on the finish. The local hound Castle Corrie, has been in great form recently, led down the hill and over the fence, the rest of the bunch all seemed to be finishing well but he was a length or so clear over the line Summer Delight inched ahead of Jackpot for second place.
In the senior maidens Sarah and Hartley Robinson's Delta Dancer was only third over the fence but finished strongly to overtake leader Skylark and Amber Gem.
Of the five participants in the puppy trail, Talisman and Houxty Wood, both trained by William Mark, and Skye were clear into sight on the finish and over the fence, Talisman came away to win by four lengths.
The puppy maidens didn't handle the finish very well with some runners going behind the judge. Teddy Storrow and Sandra Mordue's Silver by Nature was judged first over the line, Asif am Boverd second and Castle Ellie third.
Ten runners started the open restricted race, but disappointingly only four of these experienced hounds finished. The Crone family's Denman made no mistakes clearing the fence in front and coming away to beat Sparkling Pearl and Delta Disco
Saturday 11th June, Twice Brewed Show.
Rain was the order of the day from the minute we pulled up!
The senior runners crossed the first road after 7-8 minutes, Trust, Port Magee and Tune had a few lengths lead on the rest of the runners as they crossed the hill and over the gate out of sight. Coming back towards us onto the long finish, Trust and Port Magee were neck and neck with a lead over the next bunch of five or six hounds.
In the rough second last field Port Magee took himself out of the race with a short circular detour, leaving Trust to come through unchallenged, Castle Corrie came through to take second from Port Magee in third.
In the senior maidens four or five hounds came onto the finish with a chance, it was Castle Cairn and Skylark that battled it out in the last field, the former winning by a length on the line, Lauren's Gift was third.
The start of the puppy trail was a bit of a disaster, some of the runners jumped the wall into the wrong field and got onto the old dog trail. There were six hounds that went the right way, they were all pretty much together coming on to the finish, Text came through from fifth place, to lead at the last wall, and win easily in the end from Dazzler and Shellstar Boy, and complete a double for the Telford's.
The five Veteran runners had no problems at the start. Sarah and Hartley Robinson's
Delta Dancer led the five runners into sight on the finish and was not going to be defeated despite a spirited bid by both Newman and Houxty Beck.
Sunday 5th June, Lodge Gill.
Having had the disappointment of fixtures cancelled due to the devastating fire on the Moss, we were back at Lodge Gill today. The weather was fairly dry, windy and not very warm, for June!!
There were 17 runners in the senior trail, seen along the hill side after 8 minutes or so, Trust was leading a line of hounds. They continued out through the dip and climbing up on to the next hill, a group of six hounds had gained a lead on the rest of the pack. Dropping in off the highest point there was a group of six with only a few yards on the next bunch. On the final descent out of sight towards the finish Prancer took the lead. Onto the finish Summer Delight just led a group of four, and held her lead for the first of the Mark family double.
The Senior Maiden runners dropped in off the highest hill in a steady line, back into view the leading group of six hounds were Castle Corrie, Summer Virtue and Amber Gem. On the run in Summer Virtue, like her kennel mate has a good record at this venue, went a couple of lengths clear to beat Amber Gem and Castle Corrie.
The eleven pups were soon split into a group of three hounds with a lead, across the valley bottom then a steep climb, onto the top and dropping in Theme and Text had a lead, over Miss Ellie, Houxty Wood and Talisman. The Haltwhistle based Miss Ellie, did her owners proud with a flying finish to take first ticket in the last few strides.
Carol Spark's Puppy Maiden Sparkling Ruby made it two in a row having been victorious on thursday at Walton, she maintained her lead from dropping in to the finish, to beat Cleveland and Castle Ellie.
The six Veterans were taken out by the very enthusiastic Houxty Beck, chased by Newman, as they climbed the hill these two were seen together. The same two came on to the finish but struggled to find/follow the scent, leaving the Delta team of Dancer and Star to come through to take first and second tickets
Saturday 28 May - Thirlwall Castle
We had very mixed weather at Thirlwall Castle, sunshine, rain, hail and a very brisk wind.
The senior trail saw a good slip of 18 runners, they came into sight after 7-8 minutes, Port Magee, Prancer and Trust had a good lead over the others. Reports from outside were these three had maintained their lead. As the runners came into sight it was the same three hounds, with a healthy lead. It was a close fought finish, Prancer jumped the last wall just in front of Trust and Port Magee, but was just pipped on the line when the Telford's Trust produced determined finishing burst.
There were nine runners in the senior maiden race. Castle Cairn was leading the pack into sight on the finish, and he held on to beat Fire Cracker and Amber Gem.
Viewing is limited for the pup trail, they can be seen briefly after a couple of minutes, if you are on the top by the bookie, but not from the slip. As the runners came into sight there were six hounds in with a chance, closer to the last wall these four dogs, Talisman, Dasher, Text and Theme were in close contention, Text and Theme jump the wall just in front and finished strongly to give Ian and Barbara Telford a winning double, litter brother Dasher pipped Talisman for third place.
The puppy maidens struggled to get round, Willie Telford's Fire Babe was the only one to finish.
When the veterans came into view there were six hounds in a bunch, all with a winning chance. The red head of Amber Salsa was first out of the dip, she held the lead over the wall, to beat Delta Star and Skylark.
Saturday 21st May, Lodge Gill.
Initially the day was dry, but very windy, with no sheltering place, outside of the car!
Teddy Storrow's Jacko made it three in a row in the senior trail, winning by a head from a determined Spring Dream. The hounds were seen along the fell several minutes after the slip, four dogs had pulled a few yards clear of the rest of the runners. This leading group were still clear climbing out on to the back hill, the group had increased to six by the time they were seen again heading for the last climb, up on to the finish.
Any of the six looked to have a chance as they headed down hill to the gate and finishing straight. It was a close race to the line, with Jacko just prevailing.
I can only comment on the closing stages of the. senior maiden race. There were five hounds in the leading group, on the last downhill. As they came on to the last straight Willie Telford's Fire Cracker pulled a couple of lengths clear of Amber Gem and Mandesha.
As the pups headed out through the valley bottom three hounds looked to be taking control, although the weather conditions were deteriorating and visibility reduced.
Appearing out of the gloom, by this time it was pouring down, the Telford's pair Theme and Text raced in clear of Dinky and Houxty Wood.
Jimmy Bell and William Mark's Talisman led the puppy maidens onto the finish, with a few lengths over Fire Babe and Cleveland.
Only the veterans and a dedicated band of catchers braved the weather for the last race, Newman likes the rain on his back and it showed as he beat Houxty Beck by half the length of the finish, with Amber Salsa in third.
Saturday 14th May, Lodge Gill, Langholm.
The proceeds from this fixture went to the BHTA Supporters Club.
It was a breezy afternoon in the Langholm hills, with one nasty shower. The hounds can be seen for quite a bit of the trail and visability was good.
Seventeen senior hounds were slipped, going across the fell away from us Prancer was leading a group of five hounds, these had a good few yards lead, seen again climbing out of the valley it looked like the same five dogs. The hounds came back into sight dropping down to the finish Jacko had a couple of lengths lead from Trust.
Teddy Storrow's charge Jacko finished four lengths clear of Trust, Gizmo was the same distance behind in third.
The senior maidens trail was the closest finish of the day, Brian Shaw and Marion Nixon's Amber Salsa led all the way down the finish to be pipped on the line by the fast finishing Summer Virtue, her second senior maiden win.
Kerry and Anna Lindsay's Dasher was only fourth dropping in towards the finish, but stuck well to his task when the leading pups ran on through the gate, he was the easy winner from Miss Ellie and Eagle Loyal.
The maiden pups had fewer problems with the finish, Jimmy Bell and William Mark's Talisman crossed the line ahead of Sparkling Ruby and Fire Babe .
Houxty Beck continues to amass points in the veteran championship, leading from the off, he beat Newman comfortably, Amber Salsa was third.
Easter Monday, 25th April, Burgh-by-Sands.
The lovely spring weather brought a good crowd to the 'marsh' trails at Burgh.
In the senior trail Jacko led as they came through the fields and onto the water side, then the Telford's Trust took up the running ahead of Jacko and Delta Diva, she led into sight on the long undulating finish, and held on to win by six or seven lengths
The Haltwhistle hound Jedi, was clear onto the marsh, but was accompanied by Delta Dancer coming onto the finish. In a very closely fought battle for the line Jedi held on to win by the shortest of margins, Dancer's kennel mate Delta Disco was third.
Carol Tunstall, George Burgon and Lance Robson's Miss Ellie stuck to her task on finish of the puppy trail, when Text and Dinky veered towards the Judge, she took a straight line to the tape, to take first ticket ahead of Dinky and Theme.
Castle Douglas was a popular winner of the puppy maiden trail, owned by Marti Borthwick, Ian Cuthbert and John Fawkes (Foxy) from Langholm, winning easily from Insight and Silver By Nature.
Easter Saturday, 23rd April, Westwoodburn.
The conditions at Westwoodburn were warm and dry, with a slight breeze, and firm underfoot.
Teddy Storrow's Jacko, rested mid week, was the easy winner of the senior trail, from Port Magee, these two well ahead of the other runners, Border Lily finished third.
Carol Tunstall's Georgie's Girl was first home in the senior maidens, but stopped at the judge and catchers, first ticket went to the Lindsay's fast finishing Farm Time relegating Anita Crone's Mandesha to second place.
There were four pups in with a chance as they dropped in, the race for the line was won by Linda Neale's Eagle Loyal, from Miss Ellie, Dinky and Theme.
Doreen and Jeff Philipson's Skye claimed his third puppy maiden win, having led the runners into view, from Talisman and Fire Babe.
George Burgon and Bill Aitchison's Houxty Beck made it all look very easy winning the Veteran race with ease, from Amber Salsa and the two Delta runners.
Saturday 16th April, Westwoodburn.
BHTA supporters travelled north east for the first Westwoodburn fixture, the weather was kind, dry, cool and breezy. A good viewing trail, the hounds can be seen at the start for a few minutes and crossing the fell as they drop in before climbing back into sight on the finish.
Ted Storrow's Jacko claimed his first senior championship win in a close finish with Port Magee, the latter having led from the off.
Jimmy Bell's Lauren's Gift continued his good record at this venue, coming from behind to beat Amber Gem in the last few yards to take his first senior maiden trail this season.
In the puppy trail five or six hounds had a chance as they came into sight on the finish. Peter and Norma Mould's Dinky had to work hard to hold on from Miss Ellie and Text.
Carol Tunstall. George Burgon and Sandra Robson's Cleveland, went one better than his kennel mate in the puppy trail, showing a nice turn of foot to win the puppy maiden trail from Talisman and Fire Babe.
Saturday 9th April, Burgh-by-Sands.
Not only did we have a complete change of running terrain, the weather was pretty warm too!
The senior hounds run the first third of the trail through fields, coming into sight along the water side, viewed for a few minutes from the trail field, then run along side the marsh road, before heading towards the finish.
Steph Lithgow's Port Magee led along the water edge, from Jackpot and Jacko.
Turning for home Eric Barker's Jackpot gained a lead, this gave him victory over Port Magee and Jacko.
The senior maiden winner Trevor Smith's Jedi, with the leading group going by, produced a good turn of foot to beat the Robinson's Delta Star and Lauren's Gift.
The pups can be seen for the first half of the trail, the William Mark trained Houxty Wood led for most of the first half, there were a couple of minor scales. Linda Neale's Eagle Loyal led on to the finish and held on to her lead to beat Dinky and Theme, for her second championship win.
Doreen and Jeff Philipson's Skye held on to his lead on the finish to beat Cleveland and Castle Ellie.
Saturday 2nd April, Grassings.
All but one of the BHTA trails so far this season, have been moss running, today was no exception. However, we saw a new moss winner in the senior trail, Telltale, having won all so far, had to settle for second place behind Stephanie Lithgow's Port Magee, the leader over the first road, and never headed.
In the senior maidens Corrine Metcalfe's, very consistent, Class Act just held on from the Robinson's fast finishing Delta Star.
The pups, seen a few minutes after the slip, were well strung out at that point.
The Dairy One/Jigsaw pups have been very consistent on the moss running, today Ian and Barbara Telford's Theme finished clear of kennel mate Text, with Kerry and Anna Lindsay's Dasher in third place.
William Mark trained first in the puppy maiden trail, the Bill Aitchison owned Houxty Wood finished just ahead of Jimmy Bell's Talisman, with the Langholm hound Castle Douglas in third.
BHTA PUPPY REGISTRATIONS 2011:
BHTA Marked Pups:
Dairy One/Jigsaw:
K & A Lindsay . . . . . . . . . . . Dasher (d)
B & I Telford. . . . . . . . . . . .Text (b)
B & I Telford. . . . . . . . . . . .Theme (b)
Freedom/Eagle Gill:
L Neale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagle Loyal (b)
S & H Robinson . . . . . . . . . .Delta Devine (b)
Houxty Beck/Sparkling Pearl:
C Spark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sparkling Ruby (b)
C Ridley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insight (d)
W Aitchison . . . . . . . . . . . . .Houxty Wood (d)
M Ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asif am bovard (d)
P Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wardy's Wonder (d)
S Bittlestone . . . . . . . . . . . Shell Star Boy (d)
Westgate Ruler/Silver Birch:
S Mordue & T Storrow . . . .Silver By Nature (b)
M Borthwick, I Cuthbert & T Fawkes . . . Castle Douglas (d)
C Metcalfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class Mackintosh (d)
J & D Philipson . . . . . . . . . . Skye (d)
HTA Marked Pups:Newman/Busy Time:
M Borthwick & J Horn . . . . Castle Ellie (b)
Jackpot/Alfresco:
T Barker & A Brookes . . . . .Dazzler (d)
E Barker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rollover (d)
P & N Mould . . . . . . . . . . . .Dinky (b)
Dairy One/Dairy Dancer:
J Bell & W Mark . . . . . . . . Talisman (d)
R Ridley & JSteele . . . . . . .Spring Ridge (d)
Gigolo/Meadow Breeze:
W Telford . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fire Babe (b)
Cannavaro/Honesty:
C Tunstall, G Burgon & S Robson . . . . Cleveland (d)
C Tunstall, G Burgon & S Robson . . . . Miss Ellie (b)
