The NEEEC committee held the annual Lockhart Challenge at Santarena Park on the 26th July. The weather forecast deterred the pleasure riders, with no participants in the 20km event, however the true grit spirit of endurance saw 21 x 80km and 8x 40km riders, saddling up and heading out on the course to endure 3 solid hours of riding in the rain.
The overall 80km winner was Junior rider Alexa Parker on her horse Bashirah Lodge Diablo in 4 hours and 46 mins. They also won Best Conditioned Junior.
Jillinda Aitchinson riding Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta was 1st Middleweight and winner of Best Conditioned Middleweight. Rebecca Ainslie on Tomky Turbo was 1st Heavyweight and winner on Best Conditioned Heavyweight. Sisters Kirsty Lockhart and Shannon Hill held hands for equal 1st in the Lightweight division. Lightweight Best Condition was won by Lockleigh Park X’treme ridden by Shannon Hill.
Congratulations to the prize recipients and to all those who competed. Overall there was an 80% completion rate in the 80km ride, which included all four of the brave junior riders and a 100% successful completions in the 40km. Special mentions to Kenzie Rattray completing her 2nd 40km ride, despite the soaking wet ride is keen to step up to an 80km, and Dags Ainslie completing his 3rd and qualifying 80km ride.
All riders reported enjoying the track, despite the wet conditions. Well done to the organising committee and volunteers. Thank you to the all the sponsors for supporting the event,
