32 obstacles and a jump into the lake: Queen Mary at the Hubertus Hunt

Queen Mary attended the Hubertus Hunt in Dyrehaven at Klampenborg, north of Copenhagen, on Sunday. The hunt is a riding event with a long tradition, held on the first Sunday of November every year. It is named after Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters.

The Queen arrived by horse and carriage at the Hermitage Palace, the old hunting lodge in the middle of Dyrehaven, and followed the race from the balcony. Also in the carriage were Crown Equerry Steffen Scharff of the Royal Stables and forest manager Agnete Thomsen. On the balcony the Queen was joined by her friend Helle Krasnik.

A jump straight into the lake

The course is around 11 kilometres long with 32 obstacles, both built and natural. One of the highlights for spectators is the jump into Magasindammen, a small lake east of the palace, where the horses send water flying in all directions. The riders in red jackets started at 10 am at Peter Lieps Hus, and crowds of spectators followed the race through the forest.

The Queen presented the prizes

After the race, Queen Mary presented the prizes on the steps of the Hermitage Palace, and helped lay a red blanket over the winning horse. The main race was won by Katia Bøgedal on Bøgedals Fresh Mint, while Clara Strøm won the pony race on Lonsdals Anna. Countess Mette Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, lady-in-waiting to Princess Benedikte, came third.

During the race a rider fell from their pony and was taken away by ambulance. The rider's condition is not known.

Ridden since 1905

The Hubertus Hunt has been organised by Sportsrideklubben since 1905, with a few exceptions during the Second World War and the coronavirus pandemic. By tradition, a member of the royal family attends. Last year it was Princess Benedikte who presented the prizes.