Bishop Burton International (2) provided the perfect backdrop for our talented eventing youth who were competing for five coveted titles over a fabulous three days of competition.
Annie Dean piloted Great Gatsby to victory in the BE100 Ou18 with a 28.3 dressage and just 2.4 cross-country time penalties for a total winning score of 30.7. She finished ahead of Poppy McDonald and Don John who finished on 31.5 for second, while third went to Alicia Corbett and Kristina Cook’s Calvino II on 31.9.
In the BE100 Ou21, it was Clara Wilson who took top honours, riding Grey Finnsky on a score of 41.3. They were five penalties ahead of second-placed Eva Bryant and Coolnaleen Rebel who scored 46.5. In third, just one penalty behind Eva, was Bronwen Hender and Creevagh Dun who finished on 47.5.
Of her victory, Clara said: “I am absolutely delighted with Boots [Grey Finnsky]. It was our first three-day event together and he was a superstar and tried so hard for me. I’m hoping to use the win as a springboard for the 2*S at Cornbury in September, and then hopefully Osberton 2*L at the end of the season. It was a beautifully run event and an amazing week with our East Midlands team mates and coaches – a huge thanks to Sam and Lisa.”
Lucy Standish was the winner of the CCI-L J2* riding Global H. The pair added just four show jumping faults to their 20.9 dressage for a total score or 24.9. In second was Holly Law and Rachel White’s Wishing Time with a score of 29.4, while third went to Issy Insley and Henry Insley’s Top Honours who finished on 31.5.
The CCI-L YR2* title was awarded to Musa Hussain who partnered Emma Henney’s Liquid Luck to pull off a double clear and finish on their dressage score of 29.4. Ruby Thompson and Sarah Thompson’s Smilla IV were runners up on 30.7, and third place was awarded to Emily Worsdale and Mary Moberly’s Rubi Star for their score of 33.2.
Musa, who is a work rider for Harry Meade, said of her victory: “I was absolutely delighted with Felix [Liquid Luck]. It was his first international and first long format so it was unknown territory. He did a very correct test and I was pleased with how he handled everything, in particular the cross-country and how well he came out on Sunday morning. He dug very deep for me in the show jumping and really gave me his all. He’s only eight, so fingers crossed he carries on progressing and I’m hopeful I’ll have a pretty special horse. My plans are to do 3*S towards the end of this season with the aim of gearing up for Bicton YR 3*L next season. I owe a lot to Harry Meade who has taken time to help me, for which I’m very grateful.”
A double clear and 32.1 dressage saw Chloe Chan claim the Project Pony sponsored PT105 aboard Blennerville Rua. Runner up was Sophia Elliott and Robe Park Bobby on 37.1, and in third was Phoebe Woods and Project Pony’s Noble Superman who scored 38.8.
Chloe commented on her performance: “Ruby [Blenerville Rua], was phenomenal, especially during the cross-country phase, where he ran with precision and determination to finish clear within the time. He felt completely in sync with me, making significant progress with each movement. I was overjoyed with our success and feel incredibly fortunate to have a pony like Ruby. I’m now looking forward to our next challenge: the 2* Pony event at Blair, a very special event with Tiggy’s Trust.”
In the team standings, South West were victorious in the 2* Junior Team competition on 135.2, with Central in second on 152.2. The U18 Team competition was won by South East on 139.2, followed by Scotland in second on 169.9 and North on 170.7.
Congratulations to all our winners and riders, and a big thank you to Bishop Burton for hosting the championships.
For full results, please click here
