Regional Championships National Qualifiers (RCNQ) for tickets to Badminton and Bramham were on offer at a busy Frickley Park International Horse Trials which also hosted a 2* and 3*, and the inaugural Uvex Frickley Cup BE90 and BE100 3DE. There were seven RCNQ qualifying opportunities available including two at BE80, three at BE90 and two at BE100.
The BE80 RCNQ gave qualified riders tickets for the Bramham grassroots championship, while the BE90 and BE100 RCNQ’s were qualifiers for Badminton grassroot championships.
There were two sections for the BE80 RCNQ – G and H. Jordan Kavanagh and his own and Glenyse Russell’s Magic Mikey won section G with a score of 31.3. The runner-up slot went to Laura Whitfield and Valley Of Dreams on 31.5, and third went to Jane Valentine and Dollar Pats on 32.5.
Jordan said: “Frickley was a great day and winning on Magic Mikey for his owner Glenn was an honour. Glenn bought him as a dressage horse for myself to compete, but after we started jumping him a little at the start of this year, we realised he quite enjoyed it, so thought we’d try an event, and surprisingly he finished second qualifying for Frickley. To qualify him for the final in two events was quite special, and we’re excited to see where we end up with him.”
Emily Hingley and Noble Topman were winners of Section H, finishing on their dressage score of 30.9. Second place went to Caitlin Gribbon and Carr Side Calamity (32), and third was awarded to Bea Farnsworth-Nourish and Chestnut Hill Robyn Laroux (33.4).
Emily said: “We could not be happier with Noble Topman, known at home as Todd! He was previously my brother’s 15hh working hunter gaining placings both at the RIHS and HOYS. We were never going to sell him and as a family we are so glad we now get to enjoy him as an eventer. We are just thrilled that at 19 years old he still loves his job so much! Todd has competed in and won five events so far this year. Winning at Frickley in the Regional Championship qualifier was the icing on the cake and I can’t wait to compete with him at Bramham 2025!”
A busy BE90 RCNQ saw the class split into three sections – M, N and O. Ben Cousins and Charlie Gregory added just one time penalty to their show jumping round to finish ahead of the leader board in section M on a score of 31.3. In second was Charlie Wells and Win Over Clover (31.5), while third went to Freddie Spicer and Carrigoir Spidal (32.4).
Ben said: “What an amazing event to win at! It’s been 14 years since I last had a BE win in Yorkshire! I’m so pleased for his owner, Feppy, who bought Charlie and produced him after being a carriage driving horse. She’s 100% supportive in everything we do. Fingers crossed we can repeat the performance at the championships!”
Section N was awarded to Claire Hirst and Burlea Battleship who landed a double clear to finish on their dressage score of 30.8. Second went to Ollie Rowlands and Loughan Silver Shadow who also finished on their dressage of 31.6, while in third on 31.9 was Hannah Gamble and PB Ginger Ninja.
Claire Hirst said: “Oh my goodness! The biggest story here is that only three months ago he was diagnosed with EMS and went down with laminitis, so I didn’t think we could even attend, let alone win. What a horse! I can’t believe it.”
Rachel Valks and Mckenzie were victorious in Section O, finishing on their dressage score of 30.6. Second went to Grace Smith and Matty Menlo on 30.6, and third was Ellie Barnes and Lagadette S on 33.1.
Rachel said: “It’s been my aim each year since I was on ponies to try and get a Badminton grassroots qualification. The cross-country was a long and technical course but he stormed round it. My parents have owned Mac since he was a yearling so it feels even more of an achievement to win when I’ve produced him myself.”
Two sections made up the BE100 – Section Y and Z. Michael Bainbridge and Carrigeen Odysseus were Section Y winners with a finishing score of 28.8 after a double clear. Jordan Tipping and Censation LDS were runners-up with 31, and in third was Lilly-ann Rogers and PNP Highflyer on 31.9.
Michael said: “It’s been a challenge to get all the elements working together, so I’m really pleased that all three parts came good today, and what a day to come good! I was really pleased with the dressage as I have had to work hard to get the scores up, but it went like clockwork today. Odie is an 18hh Warmblood and an absolute joy to ride. I’m absolutely thrilled to qualify for the finals at Badminton. And a massive thank to the Warde-Aldans and the incredible team that put this show on.”
In Section Z, it was Catherine Parker and Smithies Bridge Gent who took the honours, finishing on their dressage score of 31. Second went to Freya Kenworthy and Parina (31.5), and third was awarded to Cara Williams and Little Boy Cruising (32.8).
Catherine said: “I’m over the moon with how Herbie performed. He always tries his best for me and today it feels like it all came together perfectly. To win any event is very exciting but to win the RCNQ and qualify for Badminton is unreal! I’m so proud of Herbie and look forward to our preparation for Badminton 2025!”
Congratulations to our riders.
RESULTS
Congratulations to the following riders who finished in the top three of their Regional Championship National Qualifier (RCNQ) class. These classes saw top placed riders pick up their qualifying tickets for Bramham BE80 championships and the BE90 and BE100 Badminton championships…
BE80 RCNQ for Bramham Grassroots – section G
1, Jordan Kavanagh and Magic Mikey (31.3)
2, Laura Whitfield and Valley Of Dreams (31.5)
3, Jane Valentine and Dollar Oats (32.5)
BE80 RCNQ for Bramham Grassroots – section H
1, Emily Hingley and Noble Topman (30.9)
2, Caitlin Gribbon and Carr Side Calamity (32)
3, Bea Farnsowrth-Nourish and Chestnut Hill Robyn Laroux (33.4)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – Section M
1st – Ben Cousins & Charlie Gregory (31.1)
2nd – Charlie Wells & Win Over Clover (31.5)
3rd – Freddie Spicer & Carrigoir Spidal (32.4)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – Section N
1, Claire Hirst and Burlea Battleship (30.8)
2, Ollie Rowlands and Loughan Silver Shadow (31.6)
3, Hannah Gambie and PB Ginger Ninja (31.9)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots– Section O
1, Rachel Valks and McKenzie (30.6)
2, Grace Smith and Matty Menlo (30.6)
3, Ellie Barnes and Lagadette S (33.1)
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – Section Y
1, Michael Bainbridge and Carrigeen Odysseus (28.8)
2, Jordan Tipping and Censation LDS (31)
3, Lily-Ann Rogers and PNP Highflyer (31.9)
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – Section Z
1, Catherine Parker and Smithies Bridge Gent (31)
2, Freya Kenworthy and Parina (31.5)
3, Cara Williams and Little Boy Cruising (32.8)
Up and coming 2024 Regional Championships dates are as follows:
- Chillington Hall – 14-15 September
- Little Downham, Cambridgeshire – 5 – 6 October
To find out more, visit https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/regional-champs
Photos courtesy of Julia Shearwood Photography
