High Peak
Flagg Moor
Easter Tuesday 25th March 2008
by Arthur Shone

The High Peak Hunt have attracted an entry of 101 for their meeting at Flagg Moor, Nr Buxton this Easter Tuesday March 25 th 2008, which is an identical number of entries as last year.

The seven race comes under starters orders at 1.00pm and concludes at 4.55pm.

Car parking at this popular Derbyshire course will be free with admission charged at £10 per person with children under 16 admitted free.

Clerk of the course Sue Rodman lists the going as good to soft on Monday March 17 th 2008. Rodman will be updating the going daily on the hunts website, which is www.flaggraces.co.uk.

Many historians regard Flagg Moor as the jewel in the crown in the North Western area. It is the oldest point to point course, which dates back to 1892. Hunting in the High Peak started in 1848 with the establishment of the Stanton Harriers. Some twelve years later the kennels were moved to Bakewell, where they remain to this day, although on a different site and the Hunt was renamed the High Peak Harriers.

The High Peak Members race is unique as it takes place over the famous limestone walls, in fact it is the only Members race in the country that takes place over natural hunting country. The only major changes that have taken place to this great spectacle came about in 1936 when the distance was reduced from four and a half miles to three and half, which prompted old timers to express that the sport had gone soft. About eight years ago the start was moved to the village of Flagg otherwise the contest has remained virtually unchanged for over a hundred years.

Rachael McQueen, the High Peak secretary knows the form of all the runners in the Members race as she goes out hunting with all of them and the hunt secretary is very confident that the race will be won by Arabian Consort or Sharp Embrace, whichever one that the clerk of the course Sue Rodman decides to ride. Rachael lists Ballywilliam Prince, the mount of Gemma Bamber as the main danger.

The High Peak will be having a parade of their hounds after the second race, this event is very popular with the younger generation, who love to go into the paddock and mingle with the hounds.

Flagg Races now have their own web site www.flaggraces.co.uk. This is well worth a visit; there are archive photos on the site, also the history of the High Peak, and much more to enthrall point to point enthusiasts from all over the country.