Kevin Britton welcomed the South Downs Bloodhounds, 16 riders and numerous people on foot to the Thorney Island Saddle Club. Quarry Captain Neil McAlpine was "on parade" along with Patrick Cates. After enjoying hospitality kindly provided by the Saddle Club, the hounds were taken to the North of the island for the start of the first hunt. One rider was unceremoniously dumped on the way to the start, but fortunately there was no serious injury and the rider was able to continue. As usual the hounds enthusiasm got the better of them as they flew away from the start, nowhere near the line of the quarry and on the wrong side of a stream. The Master sat patiently while the hounds checked with each other to see who "had the line"! On realizing their mistake they cast back to the start and struck the line on the right side of the water. Some had to swim the water to get to the line, which all except Baldric 05 did with little trouble. Baldric meanwhile gave his impression of synchronized drowning before eventually struggling to the other side. Now some 300 yards behind the pack, he did well to catch up as the hounds flew up the East coast of the island. The hounds were well together as they ran on to the hunter trial course, near the meet, before swinging back to the coast to catch their quarry.

The second hunt was more exciting for some walkers, as the hounds ran up behind them. The walkers being upwind of the hounds, they didn't hear them until they were yards behind them. It's amazing how high people can jump when they think they are about to be eaten by the Hounds of the Baskervilles! They looked almost disappointed when the hounds ran straight past them.

The final hunt was a good gallop up the East coast, to finish at the end of the runway. Mind you, the Master had to be restrained from putting in a fourth hunt, as a very pretty young blonde lady came jogging past as we were hacking home!

Thank you Thorney Island Saddle Club for a very enjoyable day.