The Opal Dash – 89km Endurance Ride

Opal, being trotted up by Mike Cooper

The Opal Dash was originally simply called the 50 mile Challenge but we changed it to the Opal Dash, “Opal” being the stable name of Valerie Cooper’s well-known Palomino gelding Witham Golden Colonel who was her riding partner for so many years - in 2001 they were the winners of the award for the ‘longest-standing endurance partnership’, having competed together from 1979 and culminating in the Golden Oldies Class at Golden Horseshoe in 2000. 

Opal and Valerie competing in the Golden Oldies class at Golden Horseshoe

Vetting on Saturday 13^th September with a starting time of 0800hrs on Sunday 14^th, this class is split into three sections, with all vet gates and the Finish back at the Racecourse. 

Opal at the Bath and West Show for Endurance!

The route this year is as follows:  1.  Monarch’s Way (30km) and Windwhistle (12km) 2.  Pentridge (34.5km)  3.  Windwhistle (12km)  = 89km total.

The winner receives the Opal Dash Trophy and a commemorative medal.

There is also a trophy for the Runner-up, medals for 2^nd and 3^rd placed horses and rosettes to tenth place.