Fool's Derby - Wed April 10 at 9:30pm EST

[Kiralynn]

The Fool’s Derby
Date: Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30pm ST
Place: Hengstacer Farms
* Horse Show – The theme is ridiculous, comical outfits. Participants must show off their most colorful, outrageous clothing.
* Horse Race – The Chetwood Cup, the first qualifier race for the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

The prizes for the race and fashion contest are 10 gold for first place, 5 gold for second place, and 3 gold for third place. The top 3 winners of the race are invited to participate in the Bree Cup championship race. A winning wager can win a landscape soldier token, white rose circlet, or Perlino steed. Click here to view the race route.

[Kiralynn]

Greetings!

The first big race of the Spring Racing Carnival is Wednesday evening!

Would anyone be willing to volunteer for...

* Race Judges - I need four volunteers. All you need to do is join the raid group, take screenshots of the first riders to pass you, and verify that these riders did (or did not) pass your checkpoint in the proper direction. (It really helps to turn on floating names, turn off floating kin/title/surname, and turn graphics down to medium or low.)

* Bookie - Take bets from everyone. (They will /tell you the name of the one rider they believe will win. All the people who guess correctly have their names put in for a random drawing. The name drawn wins a prize.)

* Musician(s) - Someone to play music starting (hopefully) half an hour before post time (at 9:00pm). We could also use music to entertain the crowd while I explain rules to contestants and organize them. If you have some heroic/award ceremony music for when the prizes are given out, that would be awesome, too.


If you are available to help, please post and let me know how you can assist. Thank you!

[Aldekim]

I should be available to play some music for the crowd.

~Aldekim

[Byrcha]

I will plan to be there as a judge.

[Kiralynn]

The 2013 Spring Racing Carnival began on Wednesday evening with the Chetwood Cup, the first qualifier race leading up to the Bree Championship Cup. Thirteen riders from around Eriador gathered at Hengstacer Farms to compete for the right to participate in that prestigious race. A crowd gathered to enjoy music and fireworks.

The evening's events began with the Fool's Derby, a jester-themed mounted fashion contest. Contestants were challenged to come up with wild, colorful outfits and matching tack. Eight riders took the stage, performing equestrian stunts to impress the crowd and earn their votes. Click here to view each of the outfits.



The voting was close, but three riders emerged victorious. An honorable mention was awarded to Craicwyth. Third place and 3 gold were awarded to Cairaen wearing a heavily embroidered elven robe. Second place and 5 gold were awarded to Caiyyd, wearing a matching pink robe and cloak with yellow embroidery. Her war steed wore a caparison and leggings in equally bright pink. First place and 10 gold were awarded to Aalloria. She wore a pink and lavender outfit with a vest embroidered in cyan. Despite wearing a hilarious pig mask, she was able to perform an impressive fire-breathing act.



With the top "fools" enjoying their coins, it was time for the qualifier race. Registration included Cairaen on pale golden summer steed Fanuilos, Caiyyd on blue roan Wind Runner, Craicwyth on yule glittering Snowrose, Daeleg on Grey Company trained Foggy, Hullis on blonde sorrel Corriander, Kattalina on yule frosty Snowball, Lifebringer on perlino Quincy, Maytook on Horse Lords bred Tookland Racer, Mirarose on Eastemnet bred Armor, Nisael on chestnut Huckleberry, Rasenbeth on blood bay Midnight Run, Runesdaeg on Eglain-bred Earthe upon Earthe, and Shintako on Mathom Society trained Aleph.



A crowd gathered at the start line, finding good places to view the race from atop barns, fences, and stone walls. Several veteran riders were seen in the crowd, sizing up the competition. Over half of the registered riders were Windy Acres race regulars, a handful of which had competed at Hengstacer Farms last season. Last's years winner, Calatharan, volunteered to act as bookie and judge the course. After a smooth pace lap, the Call to Post sounded and the riders lined up at the start. Final wagers were placed. The start was delayed a few moments as an Eglan steed on the bit was pulled back to the starting line.

The race began with a shout and a dropped arm. Instantly, thirteen horses surged forward, galloping down the path toward the first checkpoint. The initial length was fairly straight over well-packed earth, so a good start was key to reaching the gate first. A few riders tried to take a shortcut through the pasture, but the uneven ground and fence jumps cost them an early lead. A fallen tree blocked the hard dirt path leading to the second checkpoint. The fresh horses jumped over it with ease.

Several horses went wide at the ruins, losing ground on their way to the third checkpoint. The back stretch proved to be the most difficult part of the race. Some riders took the cautious path down the cliff at the pond while others risked the cliff face. A trio of horses took minor injuries and fell behind. A pair of riders lost sight of the shortest route on their way to the final checkpoint.



Despite half of the riders falling behind, competition was still tight between the leaders. Five horses charged toward the finish line in a tight group. The crowd cheered as they came into sight approaching the final gate. Nisael brought her chestnut horse across the finish line first, winning by a neck. Lifebringer's yearling Quincy gave a last burst of speed but failed to overtake Huckleberry, finishing in second place. Less than three lengths behind, Tookland Racer placed a respectable third, earning rider Maytook an invitation to the championship race in May.



Nisael, Lifebringer and Maytook have secured their slots in the Bree Cup. Five qualifier races remain. The next opportunity will come on Saturday, April 20 at 1:00pm EST as riders gather in Duillond for the Beryl Cup. Expect to see a number of veteran riders turn out for this race.

Three wagers were placed on Nisael by Mirarose, Maytook and Nisael herself. One name was chosen randomly. Mirarose won a rare Cremello horse from the Windy Acres stable!

Many thanks to race course judges Aalloria, Byrcha, Calatharan and Sigvalr. Races would not be possible without the hard work of volunteers. Thanks to Turbine for providing the "Game In Progress" speed debuff. Thank you to our sponsor Floradine for donating the Cremello steed code.

The Spring Racing Carnival is scheduled for the first Friday and Saturday in May. Check the Event Schedule for the latest times and dates. We hope to see you at the races!