THE switch from March to October for the Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry — the biggest event on the Island’s equestrian calendar — is proving to be quite a hit.

Staged at West Ashey Farm in glorious autumnal weather on Sunday, the traditional series of races certainly drew a crowd, as entry numbers soared to levels not seen for several years.

Among them was a celebrity from the world of horse racing — Charlie Fenwick, the jockey who won the 1980 Grand National riding Ben Nevis.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS AND PICTURES

Isle of Wight County Press:

Charlie flew over from the United States to watch his granddaughter compete in the Elite Spas Puffing Billy Stakes for children on small ponies — an event that certainly gave him a lot personal satisfaction, judging by his reaction.

A new addition to the event is Shetland pony racing, which has proved to be a great success — especially with the kids.

The Isle of Wight Shetland Champion Hurdle was won by Grace Miller, who rode Merkisayre Calvados.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The young jockeys were aged between eight and 13 years and were no taller than 5ft, with all ponies registered to be no taller than 42 inches.

In the much-anticipated Ashey Scurry, Dawn Graham won it riding Twiglet.

A new record for entries into the big race of the day, the Isle of Wight Grand National, which saw 12 horses battle it out for the Blackgang Chine Cup.

This year, it was won by Zach Davidson, riding Crievehill.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Event co-organiser, Karen Begley, said: “The move of the event from March to October has definitely worked.  The weather was fantastic.

“The rain we had leading up to it never put it at risk of being run, which was happening in March on waterlogged ground.”

Harold George, Matt Legge and their team of helpers produced an excellent track for the event.

“It was a successful day with some very exciting racing,” added Karen.

Isle of Wight County Press:

“There were over 80 horses running in the various races. All the races had an exciting finish with riders having to keep the pressure on as they approached the finish line.

“Island riders held their own against some fast mainland horses and ponies.”

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will receive most of the proceeds from the event, with the balance to be split between other causes, yet to be decided by the event’s committee.

                                                   ALL THE RESULTS

The Isle of Wight Shetland Champion Hurdle — 1 Jemima Tooley (Tedworth of Hardenley), 2 Maddie Taylor (Orkneys Gold), 3 Harriet Scriven (Arnum of Auckhorn); JMC Hire Puffing Billy Stakes — 1 Alexis Rahman (Longwaite Waterlily), 2 Elizabeth Waghorn (Chevy), 3 Ella Wood (Belle); The Isle of Wight Shetland Gold Cup — 1 Bobbie Flemming (Bergli Julian), 2 Grace Miller (Seagrind Norrie), 3 Bethan Hill (Orkneys Candy Drum); The Isle of Wight Shetland Grand National — 1 Grace Miller (Merkisayre Calvados); 2 Indi-Anna Evans (Ulverscroft Cappon Tree), 3 Charlie Downham (Carmillo Temptation); XV Stripes Puffed Out Billy Stakes — 1 Alonzo Chandler (Joker), 2 James O’Brien (Southbourne Revelation), 3 Maddie Oakes (Brea); SPJ Improvements Cup, for highest placed cobs (in Race 5) — 1 Kacy Hallett (Remi), 2 Claire Woodward (Moortown Twilight), 3 Nicholas Waghorn (Harley); Reynolds & Read Ashey Scurry — 1 Dawn Graham (Twiglet), 2 Mark Smith (Padraig), 3 Ryan O’Mahoney (Sox); Burlington Hotel Junior Scurry — 1 Archie Holmes (Basil), 2 Alicia Chandler (Bugsy), 3 Freddie Fletcher (Legoman); Leslies Motors Isle of Wight Grand National — 1 Zach Davidson (Crievehill), 2 Joe Neal (AJ), 3 Oliver Woodland (Kash); The David Biles Memorial Commentator’s Cup, for best effort in the Junior Scurry — Freddie Fletcher (Legoman).