Page 71 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 69 Equestrian
The 2018 National Hunt season was a little frustrating for Captain Kellard. Although he was unable to quite match the success enjoyed in the 2017 season, he enjoyed two good rides in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup and subsequently the Grand Mili- tary Gold Cup.
Leading trainer Venetia Williams was kind enough to once again ask Captain Kellard to ride Renard in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup – it was the horse’s first run back after a break and Venetia had trained him specifically for the military races. The pair set out with a similar plan to the previous season, to front run and let the horse enjoy himself. Renard responded magnificently.
Captains Purbrick and Kellard out with the Bedale Hunt
Demonstrating a classic 1840’s style of jumping hedges, Captain Purbrick in BSV
Horse and jockey set off, blazing a trail out in front, but under instruction from Venetia’s previous stable jockey, Liam Treadwell, Captain Kellard took a more robust approach to trying to keep a lid on Renard’s enthusiasm. The result was a more sensible pace throughout, which combined with an easy lead throughout meant they pinged their way around the Sandown fences. In the words of the commentator, Renard ‘barely touched a twig’ throughout the race and the pair found themselves jumping the last fence in the lead. Little did Captain Kellard know that Guy Disney had timed his run on Rathlin Rose to perfection, joining Renard as the horses landed over the last – Disney pulling clear to win. Renard ran into a gallant third and even managed to secure Captain Kel-
Captain Kellard and Renard first over the last at the Royal Artillary Gold Cup 2018