The latest performance prize money pay-outs have been made for British Eventing’s new Grassroots Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP) Leagues. The riders leading the four leagues at the end of the two-month period for July and August each received a pay-out of up to £300.
“What a great incentive this is for Grassroots riders,” said Kathryn Bartlett, who received the £200 performance bonus for the Newcomer/Returner League. “The money is very welcome and will be used to enter another BE event this autumn.”
The Leagues have been designed around the concept of the Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP), the brainchild of Equiratings, and acknowledge how competitive a combination was in a particular class – the greater the number of fellow competitors that they finished ahead of, the better the score.
Find out more about the leagues, and how you could be winning your share of this amazing prize pot, here.
Prize money is paid out every other month to the person at the top of each of the leagues, as well as the overall winners at the end of the season. The bi-monthly ‘Performance Bonus’ can only be won once within each league, and it will go down the line if the current leader has already won it in the season.
JULY/AUGUST WINNERS
Newcomer OBP League – Kathryn Bartlett and ‘T’ Biscuit
Kathryn and ‘T’ Biscuit
Kathryn Bartlett is thrilled to be back competing in the sport and even more delighted to have received the Newcomer/Returner Performance Bonus of £200, thanks to the OBP of 96.8% she achieved with her mare ‘T’ Biscuit for July/August.
“’T’ Biscuit [Tottie] is a six-year-old homebred by Cevin Z. I evented her mum but unfortunately crashed and burned at Badminton Grassroots BE90 in 2014 and really thought that I had retired and hung up my boots,” said Kathryn.
“We have had a steady start due to various reasons, but I am extremely lucky to have had a lot of support from some fantastic friends and trainers that have helped me to find a little bit of brave again and I am absolutely loving being back in the sport on Tottie, who I absolutely adore.
“I was surprised and absolutely delighted to receive the news that I had won a £200 pay-out in the Newcomer/Returner OBP League.”
BE80 OBP League – Dinah Smith and Culmore JJ
Dinah and Culmore JJ
Dinah Smith and her 14.2hh gelding Culmore JJ received a pay-out of £200 after topping the BE80 OBP League. Their OBP was 97% for July/August.
“I was proverbially gobsmacked when BE called me to tell me that we had won,” said a delighted Dinah. “I am reminded daily how lucky I am to have JJ in my life. He is awesomeness itself! A total star.”
BE90 OBP League – Dr Katie Mathias and Lodor Carl
Lodor Carl
The £250 pay-out for leading the BE90 OBP League during the July/August period went to Dr Katie Mathias and Lodor Carl, thanks to their OBP of 98.2%.
“Lodor Carl [Carlos] may be small but he is an all-round superstar! I know I’m very biased, but I wouldn’t change him for the world,” said a very proud Katie.
“I think his BE record speaks for itself, as he’s incredibly consistent, so for this to be acknowledged with this prize is a real delight. I can share how great he is with everyone and I’m the luckiest rider to get to call him my own. Thank You BE for this new appreciated League.”
BE100 OBP League – Laura Ridout and First Touch
Laura and First Touch
Laura Ridout and First Touch received a pay-out of £300 for the BE100 OBP League. Laura was sitting second in the league with her OBP of 96.3% for July/August but as the current leader, Lola Graham and Djakota EB, had already been awarded a Performance Bonus this season (she received the first pay-out for March/April) the honour went to Laura.
“She’s a star,” said Laura. “I’ve only lightly evented her this season, but she’s had some fantastic results. It was a surprise to find out she had won the OBP pay-out. I didn’t think we’d be in the running having only competed 4 BE100’s this season, but she’s been mega consistent.
“I was thrilled to end the season with her by stepping up to Novice at Moreton Morrell and finishing double clear in the time for 5th. I’m very excited for next season with her, the money will be a great help towards training over the winter.”
