2009 Show Special - British Driving Society

Show Reports
BDS Annual Show 2009
Competitors travelled from far and wide to get to Smith’s Lawn for the
45th Annual Show, some very long distances; all were rewarded with
a glorious mid-summer day under the sun and some winning that precious
red rosette. Most notably, Jonathan Carnduff with Ulisha who crossed
the Irish Sea to first take the Crestwood Fittings World & Rare Breeds and
then the Brewin Dolphin BDS Supreme title and a qualifying ticket for
the Horse of the Year Show. This was Ulisha’s first visit to the show and
Jonathan was justifiably proud of his handsome grey horse.
BDS President James Corbett travelled down from the Isle of Mull
to drive Jill Burns’ pair in the Truckbusters Concours d’Elegance. Penny
Henderson, the hard working secretary of Royal Windsor Horse Show,
swapped roles and judged this popular class. It was no easy task and
her eventual winner was Clare Wigmore driving her own Winston &
Victor. One Concours competitor, namely Carlo Mathias with Gasper,
had travelled all the way from Belgium and the show was delighted to
welcome him.
There were only three rings at the 2009 show, but when compared to
the previous year’s schedule only one class had been lost to achieve the
new configuration. As a result the show had a more intimate atmosphere,
with activity in all rings right up until the move over to the Polo Ground
for the parade. It also meant that there
was none of the lengthy wait which
competitors had had in the past. The
BDS was delighted that once again HM
The Queen presented the famous BDS
Sashes to the Show Champions, one of
whom was a proud 14 year old Lauren
Mackenzie, winner of the Kelvin Young
Driver prize. HRH Prince Philip spoke to
all the champions, some of whom he had
watched in the rings earlier in the day.
He also congratulated Rodney Ousbey
on his winning the Driving Award of the
Worshipful Company of Coachmakers &
Coach Harness Makers.
The long distance travellers did not have it all their own
way – local family (in fact so local they could almost see the
showground from home!) the Wards, took the Supreme Hackney
title with Westbourne Hi Tech. Hackney classes at the show
were particularly well supported and Perthshire judge, Roly
Connolly had a hard task to find his winner out of 50 entries.
Continuing his very successful season, Jeff Osborne won the
Binder Country Vehicles with his coloured horse, The Poacher,
eventually going on to take Reserve Supreme Champion. This
immediately followed an identical placing in the Electrolux Light
Trade Championship, won by Terry Burgess with Cledlyn Sam.
And one of the busiest competitors on the day was Minta Winn
responsible for entries in 10 classes; coming out top was Mike
Clarke’s Thorneyside The Foreman who she drove to take the
Victoria Foods Welsh Cob Championship.
It was indeed a busy day for everyone; Show Director,
Barrie Luck and his team were delighted with its success
and our grateful thanks to all – sponsors, stewards,
officials and competitors who made it all possible.
William Semmens’ Miniature Horse Team
Brewin Dolphin Supreme Show
Champion, Jonathan Carnduff
and Ulisha
HM The Queen with Moya Bangham and Saltmarsh Buccaneer,
Crestwood Fittings Welsh Pony Champion
Wallace Binder presents Jeff Osborne with his trophy in the
Binder Country Vehicles
Terry Burgess, Electrolux Light Trade
Champion
Winning Donkey, Jill Oliver’s Mixandmatch
BDS Vice Chairman, Richard Lanni
British Driving Society
HRH Prince Phillip with Rodney Ousbey and
the Worshipful Company of Coachbuilders
Commentator Carey Knox, interviews
Ring Guard, Colin Pawson
page 9 | BDS News