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A Little Bit of News from Man v Horse 2012

The ‘big news’ from this year’s race was a series of horse attacks by rider number 33. Mr Murphy virtually had his right ear chewed off by the same errant nag that later almost trampled another competitor to death. Emotions were further aroused at the finishing line when the very same horse and rider bundled over an unsuspecting runner. Incensed the man leapt to his feet and gave chase. It was only the speedy intervention of a few onlookers that prevented an ugly race incident. Restrained by officials and probably due to the exhaustion of completing the full 22 mile course the angry man gave up the fight and soon recovered his composure. For a few moments a furious Mr Murphy considered submitting a formal complaint about the careless riding actions and ability of number 33. He was soon dissuaded by the wisdom of Ms Baker. The guilty horse – “Rowdown Gambler” – perhaps “Mowdown Dead Cert” would be a more appropriate tag.

A sprint start from a member of the “Jackson, Bubbles and Elvis” relay team left the rest of the field 20 metres adrift in the main shopping district of Llanwrtyd Wells and just 100 metres into the 22 mile race. It was a vain and somewhat mad attempt to distract Huw Lobb (the 2004 winner of Man v Horse and first of only 2 men to defeat the equine beast in the 33 year history of the event) and cause confusion in the ‘mind of Lobb’, thus throwing him off the scent of horse flesh. A much enjoyed but nonetheless fruitless effort as Lobb and the chasing pack soon engulfed the wayward runner.

Sadly it looks like 2012 will be the last outing for Peanut, Miss Thorpe’s mount and much beloved charger. At times it was all a bit too much for the thoroughbred horse, spooked by fast flowing rivers, tricky ledges, soggy ground and donkeys. Nevertheless, with a lot of coaxing and help from a few runners he passed the gruelling test. And now after a total of 3 outings in the event Peanut will be ‘put out to grass’.

This year full congratulations must go out to the Man v Horse virgins, Mrs Davis, Mrs Leonardi and Mr Glanville, who equitted themselves extremely well. Also, well done to Mr ‘Army Man’ Matheson who ran the full course (nuts!) in 3 hours and 26 minutes – a beautiful time.

A BIG thanks to all 18 members of staff and students who took part in 2012: ‘The Beechen Trio’ (6th formers Will Miles, Elliot Farmer and Chris Warrender who completed the course in a time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, the 6th relay team – a superb effort).

And the rest of the relay teams/competitors/helpers... ‘The Young Ones’ (Mr Young and family); ‘Jackson, Bubbles and Elvis’ (Mr Bell, Mr B Davies, Mr Taylor); ‘Beechen Cliff’ (Mr Matheson, Mrs Denning, Mr Stewart); ‘The ex-Cop and the little Guy’ (Mr M Glanville and Mr Darvill); ‘Dead on Arrival Returns’ (Mr Murphy and Mrs Miles + willing breakfast waiter, a late sub for leg 2 and Donna’s daughter Emily and her boyfriend Luke for their help); ‘B Team’ (Mr Bartlett); ‘The Bath Bunnies’ J (Ms Baker, Mrs Leonardi , Mrs Davis); Mrs Thorpe and of course Peanut – you deserve your retirement.

Mr Bell