AFTER a two-year gap, the Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry returns this afternoon (Sunday).

With fantaqstic spring weather for the annual event at West Ashey Farm, there will be the traditional series of races involving Island and mainland competitors.

Isle of Wight County Press: Top Isle of Wight eventing rider Karen Begley (red sleeves) in action in the Isle of Wight Grand National. Photo: Jo MonckTop Isle of Wight eventing rider Karen Begley (red sleeves) in action in the Isle of Wight Grand National. Photo: Jo Monck

Gates open at 10.30am, with the first race, the Puffing Billy Stakes for children on small ponies, set to get underway at noon.

It will be followed by the Puffed Out Billy Stakes (12.40pm), which are run over smaller hurdles and cover a shorter distance, together with the Junior Scurry (2.25pm), the Ashey Scurry (1.45pm) and the main event, the Isle of Wight Grand National (3.05pm).

The scurry and national fences are a mixture of hurdles, hedges and open ditches.

The event, organised by the Isle of Wight Point to Point Committee, was cancelled last year due to the weather.

Leading events rider, Karen Begley, one of the committee and a regular competitor in the Isle of Wight Grand National, has happy memories of taking part in it.

She said: “I’ve been taking part in it for 20 years now. My sister, Sharon, and I have won it in the past. I won the Ashey Scurry in 2017 on Signs of Love and previously on Murphy.

“Sharon has won the Scurry four times, including once on Harold George’s horse, Rascal.

Isle of Wight County Press:

“It is an amazing experience — quite different to showjumping or riding cross-country. As with both disciplines, it is just you on the course, whereas with racing, you have to be aware of all the other riders surrounding you and the different tactics they use.”

The Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry was established by Havenstreet dairy farmer Harold George, with Barry Elliott still responsible for creating the mile-long course, raced over two laps.

But the history of the event dates back more than a century.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action from the Isle of Wight Hunt Point to Point race at Limerstone in 1907. Action from the Isle of Wight Hunt Point to Point race at Limerstone in 1907.

The old Isle of Wight Hunt Point to Point race was held on the site of West Ashey Farm until the late 1920s, when an old grandstand was destroyed by fire.

Each race these days is sponsored by different local businesses, as are the individual jumps, with a number of mainland horses and riders descending on the Island to join local riders on the day.

The event is strictly amateur and, to comply with Jockey Club regulations, there is no betting, but a sweepstake is run at the track for each race.

Once again, the event will feature ‘Quit the Bit’, the former ‘Bridleless, Not Brainless’ event, with team chasers joining the races in pink in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign — jumping in pink head collars, rather than bridles.

A donation from the proceeds of the event will go to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

For the full schedule of events, visit the Isle of Wight Grand National website: www.iw-scurry.co.uk