Luscombe Maye sponsor a number of events throughout the year, the most recent being the point to point at Buckfastleigh in early March.
Each race has a safety factor assigned to it which denotes the maximum number of horses that can run in any race. The Luscombe Maye 150th Anniversary Maiden Race attracted a huge number of entries and the number of declarations on the day meant that the race had to be split into two divisions. We were thrilled to be able to present the winning owners, trainers and jockeys of both divisions with their prizes.
Point to point courses are notoriously bleak and chilly places at this time of the year and this meeting was no exception. Whilst there were an excellent number of runners and ultimately great racing, the wind chill factor was off the scale if you were just standing around.
Buckfastleigh racecourse is steeped in racing history, with the first race under rules being run there in 1883, exactly 10 years after the creation of Luscombe Maye. The main grandstand, albeit now in disrepair is still in place today and has become a well known landmark in the area. The last race under rules was held in August 1960 and point to points have been held at the course ever since.
Back in 2013 I decided to have a go at race riding with my first ride of the season being at Buckfastleigh. The adrenaline rush from riding in a race is difficult to explain, the sound of galloping hooves, turf kicking back in your face, jockeys jostling and horses brushing through the birch fences and then the split second of complete silence when you are airborne over a fence is utterly surreal. Coming round the bend and into the home straight on the final circuit it’s strange how you actually don’t hear the crowd shouting you on! Of my 3 rides that season, Buckfastleigh was the only one I didn’t end up taking a bit of the turf home with me! I soon decided that I was too old for that game and bought a show horse instead!
The next event on the calendar is the point to point at Flete Park on 15th April where we will once again have our hospitality tent situated by the final fence and warmly invite friends and clients past, present and future to join us for light refreshments.
If you would like any advice relating to your equestrian property or if you are looking to purchase a property in South Devon, please don’t hesitate to contact Sara Phillis, Luscombe Maye Equestrian Property Specialist on 01548 800153 or equestrian@luscombemaye.com.
