On 9th March Team Army was delighted to host a number of guests at Sandown for the Grand Military Gold Cup, a steeple chase for amateur military riders, which dates back to 1841 and celebrates the close connection between the military and equestrian sports. The Grand Military Gold Cup presents many of the Armed Forces finest riders, both serving personnel and veterans.
The event presented the perfect occasion for military seniors from the Army, RAF and DE&S and fellow business leaders to meet and enjoy not only a thrilling day at the races, but also the debut performance of a selection of songs from the Military Wives Choir in the presence of HRH Princess Anne.
Despite the gloomy weather, the excitement wasn’t dampened as guests were welcomed with a champagne reception held in the Bendigo Suite which provided wonderful views over the course and the finish line. With the parade ring close by, those in the ‘know’ had the opportunity to study the form, whilst the novices in the party were entertained by professional tipster and Course commentator, Anthony Kemp, who’s jokes were sadly almost as bad as his tips!
In total there were six races, with the showpiece being The Grand Military Gold Cup. In a very exciting race, 10 riders competed for The Cup which was won by Masked Man, ridden by Capt. Harry Wallace of the 29th Commando Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, beating the favourite, Red Harbour, by five lengths.
Team Army would like to thank BT, Compass, Fujitsu, L3 Communications, Panasonic and Resilient Networks, as well as the military personnel who attended. We raised almost £7,000 for the Team Army Sports Foundation, with some of the money raised going to Army equestrian sports and based on the success of this event we are planning to hold similar events during 2012 and repeating the Sandown experience next year.
