IN MARCH 1968 the Queen Mother visited Didmarton to enjoy what was described as a ‘thrilling’ point-to-point.

There was a record attendance and record entry for the meet with 239 horses, of which 110 competed.

One of the horses, Artist’s Sun, was owned by the Queen Mother who watched six races in total.

Her horse, which was ridden by Mr George Small, was odds-on favourite to win the Beaufort Cup.

She was, however, disappointed that her eight-year-old failed to win, being beaten by a distance by River Slave.

The horse was owned by a Miss Lucy Jones from the Mendip Farmers Hunt.

The Open Race that day was divided into three sections and Miss Jones won the first two divisions with River Slave and her other horse Bartlemy Boy, ridden by a Mr John Daniell.

The weather was rather inclement, but the Queen Mother was able to avoid the cold wind in the Royal Box which was a former double decker bus that had been converted for the visit.

In her party was the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and Captain and Lady Avice Spicer. She stayed for six races before returning to Badminton House and on by car to London.