Royalty graces carriage driving event (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Royalty graces carriage driving event

10:43am Wednesday 14th June 2006 in Local By John Boyman

THE Duke of Edinburgh joined about 80 people in a north Hampshire horse carriage driving event.

Prince Philip spent three days competing in the Farleigh House Carriage Driving Trials, which took place on the Farleigh House estate, Farleigh Wallop, from June 2 to 4.

The event saw horses and their drivers tested to the limit throughout the three days.

A dressage phase took place on the Friday, followed by a cross-country marathon on Saturday and a test around a cone course on Sunday.

The highlight of the weekend was Saturday's cross-country, which saw competitors race around a 15-kilometre course negotiating numerous complicated turns.

Angie Pickford, secretary of the event committee, said she expected the weekend to raise about £7,000 for the Red Cross.

She added: "The weather has been kind to us and we have had some really good racing.

"The standard in the four-horse teams was particularly high, as it was a qualifying event for the World Championships, which will take place later this year in Germany.

"Prince Philip has been a regular visitor to the event since it began in 2000. We have heard that he may retire from driving later this season, so this may be his last appearance here, but we hope not because he is such a good competitor."