Not wanting to hold her back too much I allowed her to average 16kph till the second crewpoint making the most of the fantastic going in the park. I was very pleased with how Dee tackled our first fords and the steeper stoney climb sections. My last ride at cirenscester stuck in my mind for the number of gates I had to open. This time round every gate was manned and open which was greatly appreciated by all. As was the excelent marking, with diversion warning signs 100 yards before the diversion, three tapes denoting a corner and all single tapes on the left hand side, if they wereon the right you were going the wrong way. 

I was pleased to note the new routes retain the technicallity of the former routes. we rode most of the first loop with Gill Campbell riding Bazzeia, also a first time 80km horse. The horses seemed to work well together swapping the lead and happy to walk accross the line together. Shortly after doing so I hopped of Dee loosened her girth and started undoing what other tack i could. Steve met me at the gate handed me a slosh bottle and collected our in timming card then removed the saddle. I appliend our new aquisition, a heart rate monitor on a surcingle then we both set about sloshing. Given the heat and huidity I was pleased to be able to present in 6 minutes, allowing us to pass some others in our class in the vet gate. 

During the 50 minute hold that followed, we all ate and drank, though Dee chose to decide to drink just as I was tacking her up a little late to electorlyte but better then never. As we were leaving the vet gate to start Dee fixated on a black bucket being carried by one of the UAE grooms, who kindly offered her water, she drank half a bucket full and the groom poured the rest over Dee. Then were were off again. Dee was quite happy to be leaving and was easily averaging ~14kph. As we entered the first 'ride' we were joined by Shelagh Bunn riding Rasputin and we stayed together throughout this loop. Both horses were drinking well at all oportunities offered. Having not electorlyted Dee in the vet gate as she had not drunk Steve adminstered the electrolytes at the first crewing point as she had by now started drinking. We continued on this loop passing the photographer and again walking accross the finsih line. again we vetted in six minutes passing people in the vet gate. 

After a fourty minute hold spent eating and drinkin we set out on the final loop about 30 seconds ahead of Carolyn Edwards riding Tarr Steps Hannah in the 100km Class. About a third of the way round were caught by Ros Jackson riding the very experienced Hannah who stayed with us till the end. We also caought up with two other riders and all five of us walked accross the finish line together. Steve and I followed the same pre vetting routine we had the last two times and were ready to present 10 minutes after fiishing with heartrates of 55/58 a sound trot up and good metabolics. Latter on I was plesantly suprised to find we had come 7th out of 19 starters. 

Below are my heart rate monitor and GPS readings from this ride.