As winter relinquishes its grip, Tessa Waugh enjoys a copybook meet, with convivial chat, springy turf and good sport – while the real hunting aficionados demonstrate their teleporting skills

With 36 years in hunt service behind him, Robert McCarthy is one of the country’s most senior and most respected huntsmen. He talks to Tessa Waugh about Crufts, the current situation and life in Northumberland

The relentlessly positive spirit of the VWH hounds and their huntsman is infectious during a good day’s sport

Although she might not look completely conventional, Spotty is practically perfect in every way and “knows her job”. In fact, she’s so versatile anyone can ride her

A 10-horse trainer could have a live Gold Cup contender while racing fans keep Sir Gino in their thoughts

● It had been, until that point, an ...