The historic Challenge Cup final played out on the 4th of August, seeing White Crane Black take on Valhalla, wrapping up an action-packed Goodwood week.
Jasmine Calvert-Ansari rode out at 1 for her White Crane Black team, with James Beim (6) at 2, American 6-goaler Mackenzie Weisz (6) at 3, and Felipe Dabas (6) at Back. Emma MacRae (0) wore the number 1 shirt for Valhalla, with Will Harper (4) at 2, Jack Richardson (6) at 3, and 8-goaler Tomas Beresford at Back.
The final 18 goal of the season saw a dramatic game between the two sides in front of a busy crowd on Lawns 1, but despite White Crane’s strong start Valhalla ultimately emerged victorious 9 goals to 5.
The first chukka saw a brilliant goal by Beresford, however a couple of costly fouls meant White Crane led 2-1 after the first. The second and third chukka told a very similar story, with a goal for Beresford and Dabas in both, leaving the score on 4-3 going into half-time.
Following a half-time break a regrouped Valhalla came back with force to see a hattrick of goals by English 6-goaler Richardson, and another for Beresford, pushing them ahead 7-4 going into the final chukka. In the last Valhalla continued their goal-scoring streak, with a brilliant goal by both Harper and Richardson, and despite a last-minute goal by Weisz, it wasn’t enough to catch their opponents.
Emma MacRae stepped down to receive the Challenge Cup presented by her mother Sarah Holmes, in front of the delighted Valhalla fans. The Most Valuable Player was awarded to Jack Richardson, who also stepped forward to collect the Vickers Trophy and the No3 Gin Best Playing Pony Rug on behalf of his horse ‘Amber’, played by himself and co-owned with Lanto Sheridon.
