It was a sunny, warm, dry day when hounds met on Sir Richard Pelly's stunning Preshaw Estate. Our Master looked worried as the hounds were about to come under the scrutiny of Carolyn Poland, wife of Michael Poland a former master of the (Hursley Hambledon and Isle of Wight Foxhounds). Given that much of the ground the hounds would be hunting over would be bare ground or spring crops, the omens for a good day were poor. It was good to have amateur whipper-in Kim Thayer back out with us after her bad fall, and equally good to see Chris Lee back running for us, having had a very busy time at work for a few months. "I'm looking forward to a good fast run," says Chris - words that he is going to regret! Dominic Hubble was also looking forward to a day hunting the clean boot - little did he realise he would end up hunting the "sweaty pony"!

The first hunt started on by Lomer Farmhouse with hounds running down to Rabbit Copse. There was a short check here, when the hounds were distracted by the mounted Field who had been sent on ahead. It was a few minutes before Sumo 03 regained the line and took the pack over the grass on Preshaw Down. Chris tried to foil the hounds here by doubling back over some plough but, despite three roe deer dancing right in front of the pack, hounds forged on over the plough and through the riot foil, to cross the South Downs Way east of Lomer Pond, to catch their Quarry by the road.

Still bouncing about like a two year old colt, Chris was anxious to get on and set off for the second hunt. Starting by Beaconhill Beeches, hounds very quickly settled to the line and were racing through the fields parallel to Sailor's Lane. "Help, I'm lost," came a plaintive cry from Chris on the radio, but it was too late, the hounds were on their way. "It's okay, I'm back on route," was his next message, that met with equal indifference from the Master. "When hounds are running, it is my aim to catch the Quarry before they get to the end of the line," reports the Master, "and if the Quarry gets lost, it just improves our chances of beating them!" Well the Master's wish came true as hounds caught Chris on the hoof in Betty Mundy's Bottom - or was it that they caught him on his bottom in Betty Mundy's Hoof, I'm not sure. Either way, the score was now one all. Just before the hounds caught Chris, poor Rosie Geave had a fall when her pony, Melody, shied at a branch thrown up by the horse in front. Melody decided it was time to go walkabout and Dominic Hubble was elected hero of the moment, and dispatched to retrieve Melody. By the time he had caught Melody, he had become lost and it was fortunate we had Carolyn Poland with us and thanks to the mobile phone, she was able to meet up with him and guide him back. By this time, hounds had been relayed on to the line and finished the second hunt by Preshaw Wood, Rosie getting a lift with Joint Master Mark.

Chris had taken being caught early quite badly - well it doesn't help when the Master starts talking about zimmer frames! He set off with determined vigour for the fourth hunt. Hounds were laid on and ran with a great cry up through the woods by West Lodge. Turning north to run parallel to Salt Lane, Chris had put in a few turns in an effort to dislodge the hounds. But hounds were in tune and screamed over the Preshaw Drive making for the Wind Farm wood. Turning south short of the wood, hounds ran by Jubilee Plantation to cross Monarch's Way by Wyn Cottages. The Master spied the Quarry running for his life at the far end of the field by High Wood and was very excited at the prospect of catching the Quarry on the run again. But as hounds reached High Wood, they plunged into a large puddle to cool off on this very fast and hot run. This puddle saved Chris's life, as it gave him time to finish the hunt before hounds regained the line.

There was time for an improvised fourth hunt over a nice piece of grass, because the expected movement of cattle the day before had not taken place. This was a short hunt round Rabbit Copse, going down the grass valley to High Wood.

This was a brilliant day to finish the season on, despite the unfavourable scenting conditions. It was good to see Olivia and Matty Ross flying solo as mum, Sarah, was left to worry on her feet. Trouble is they did so well they might not let mum hunt with them again!

Hounds were really showing off which, given our distinguished and knowledgeable visitor, the Master was very grateful for. And as for catching Chris on the hoof in the second hunt and giving him a scare on the third, "that was the icing on the cake," said the Master! I can't help feeling that Chris will be looking for revenge next season!

Photographs by Nicky Stent (Click to enlarge)