18 March 2008 High Peak - Flagg Moor
The High Peak Members Race: over unique limestone walls
The High Peak Hunt have attracted an entry of 101 for their meeting at Flagg Moor, Nr Buxton, this Easter Tuesday March 25th. The seven race come under starter's orders at 1.00pm and conclude at 4.55pm.
Car parking at this popular Derbyshire course will be free for the first time on Easter Tuesday. Admission will be £10 per person, with children under 16 admitted for free.
Many historians regard Flagg Moor as the jewel in the crown in the North Western area, it is the oldest Point-to-Point course, which dates back to 1892. Hunting in the High Peak started in 1848 with the establishment of the Stanton Harriers. Some twelve years later the kennels were moved to Bakewell, where they remain to this day, although on a different site and the Hunt was renamed the High Peak Harriers.
The High Peak Members race is unique as it takes place over the famous limestone walls, in fact it is the only Members race in the country that takes place over natural hunting country. The only major changes that have taken place to this great spectacle, came about in 1936 when the distance was reduced from four and a half miles to three and half, which prompted old timers to express that the sport had gone soft. About eight years ago the start was moved to the village of Flagg, otherwise the contest has remained virtually unchanged for over a hundred years.
Rachael McQueen, the High Peak secretary knows the form of all the runners in the Members race as she goes out hunting with all of them, and the hunt secretary is very confident that the race will be won by Arabian Consort or Sharp Embrace, which ever one that the clerk of the course Sue Rodman decides to ride. Rachael lists Ballywilliam Prince, the mount of Gemma Bamber as the main danger.
The High Peak will be having a parade of their hounds after the second race, this event is very popular with the younger generation, who love to go into the paddock and mingle with the hounds.
