Tedworth Hunt Members Race, Larkhill, 16 May 1981: Meeting Secretary, Roger Roberts canters to the start on odds-on favourite, Now Hear This. They made most and won very easily.
Roger Roberts, who died aged 83 in August 2017, rode 62 winners (including some under Rules and in Germany) in a riding career spanning 40 years. It started with Jazz Fanatic at Tismans in West Sussex on 9 May 1953, with the first of his 46 P-t-P winners coming the following year (Cinderella Man at Edenbridge), and the last (Call On Dickins - famously by then, both horse and rider had a single working eye apiece) in the 1990 Avon Vale Members at Nedge. An enthusiastic corinthian amateur rider - a now very endangered species, he finally retired from the saddle on 18 April 1992.
A bon-viveur and very generous host, he was also a most effective Secretary of the Tedworth P-t-P for 15 years from 1973. Throughout his tenure the meeting was held at Larkhill - his 'spiritual home' - and his ashes were scattered 'between the last fence and the jam stick' as he requested.
In memory of her husband, Lucinda Roberts (herself a multiple winning Larkhill rider, owner and trainer) has donated a perpetual silver cup, the Roger Roberts Trophy and a memento.
For Larkhill's most successful Novice Horse which was still a maiden when first running at Larkhill in the current season. Uniquely for a Larkhill Award, points may be scored at other courses and in hunter chases. The winner also receives a permanent memento.
Points earned elsewhere prior to a horse’s first appearance at Larkhill will not count.
Scoring will end at the same time as the other Larkhill Awards.
Preview on the Fixtures page
Next meeting
The sport is paused due to Governement restrictions
Possible start date 20/21 February
More details to follow