Competition is hotting up at Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials, as the first winners are crowned.
BEDE Events CCI2*-S
After an exciting day of showjumping, it was Australian Sammi Birch and Parkfield Pumpkin taking the win in the BEDE Events CCI2*-S. A well-deserved win for the pair who led from start to finish in the beautiful autumnal sunshine here at Osberton Mill. Parkfield Pumpkin, owned by Parkfield Breeding is expertly cared for by Groom Helen Tagg who revealed to us that she has worked for Sammi for 25 years after what was meant to be a one-year stint in Australia was extended.
Said Sammi of the win: “It’s always great to have a win, no matter at what level and an international win is really special. We’ve had a bit of a rubbish preparation, I ruptured some ligaments in my ankle in July so I’ve been off really and I’ve just started competing again in September so a bit of a rush job so the horses have had a bit of a quick preparation and not a great season and so it’s fantastic to finish off with a horse homebred by my owners so very exciting.”
Coming in second place was multiple 5* Champion Piggy March and Brookfield Danny De Muze owned by Mrs Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry. The pair also remained in second place from start to finish, just pipped to the post by Sammi’s impressive dressage score of 24.3 to Piggy’s 26.9.
Rounding up the top three was Kiwi, Dan Jocelyn and Grennanstown Atomic owned by The Atomic Syndicate finishing on their dressage score of 29.0.
The showjumping proved influential with just 18 clears throughout the day.
Project Pony CCIP2*-S
Following the showjumping finale, it was Mara Waller and her own Diarista who took the win in the Project Pony CCIP2*-S. They sat second at the end of play yesterday. Their impressive dressage score of 28.8 and adding just 0.8 time in the cross-country phase meant their clear showjumping round put them into the lead. One of only two clear rounds in the showjumping.
An unfortunate and costly 8 faults in the showjumping for Florence Drewitt and Mrs Helen Drewitt’s Battlestown Delight knocked them off the top spot and into 5th place. However, her second ride, her own Crossgales Into The Blu flew through the showjumping and they finished on their dressage score of 30.2 and put them into second place, the second of the two clear showjumping rounds today. This rose them from 3rd place yesterday.
In third place was Maisie Greening and her own Kilnaspic Lily with just 4 faults in the showjumping to add to their dressage of 31.3.
Agria Lifetime Equine CCI1*
After the sensible decision to move the cross-country after delays yesterday, horse and riders took on the showjumping today. Ahead of the cross-country tomorrow, Alicia Hawker leads on Sea Gazelle owned by Hambro Sport Horses. They sit on their impressive dressage score of 28.4 with nothing to add in the showjumping.
Alicia commented: “She’s a 6-year-old mare, I’m really pleased with her test. She show jumped beautifully, I’m really pleased with how she jumped, she is owned by Hambro Sports Horses and they have owned her since 3 and it’s her first international.”
In second is Swedish rider Erika Sjostrom and Jantina owned by Mrs Katarina Klangby adding 1.2 time faults in their showjumping to their dressage score of 28.8
Concluding the top three is British rider Willa Newton and Watermill Cruise owned by Mrs Julia Westmoreland.
Arena Saddles CCI2*-L
The Arena Saddles CCI2*-L cross-country provided a challenge for many, meanwhile junior rider Florence Wiles maintained her overnight lead producing a first class clear within the optimum time aboard Shadow Lad. The Wiltshire based combination have clocked up some impressive results at 2* this season, with Osberton providing a season’s best dressage thus far.
A keen contender heading into tomorrow’s show jumping finale is New-Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Rathnageera River owned by Michelle and Chris Mann on 29.1.
Rathbones CCI3*-L
At the end of the cross-country phase today the top three are as follows:
Multiple five-star champion Piggy March and Subtle Finesse owned by Dr Maggie Demuth. Sired by Subtle Power and out of UC Lux Z Flame.
Piggy commented: “I’m really delighted with both horses today. Subtle Finesse is a lovely horse. Both horses have lightly competed this year and have come here with not much match practice. So, I’m delighted that they both felt as grown up as they did. Tomorrow is another day, but we will just enjoy today for a lovely owner Maggie Demuth who really loves this horse and deserves a good day with him.”
Dutch rider Nina De Haas and Ballylaffin Juno owned by Mr David Schofield. Sired by Cassino Reeb and out of Ballylaffin Juliana.
Wesko Rider Brier Dunn and her own Caherconree Rocky. Sired by Obos Quality and out of Caherconree Mist.
Tomorrow’s full day of competition will see the showjumping finale of the Rathbones CCI3*L and the Arena Saddles CCI2*L, along with the winner of the Arena Saddles Novice League crowned.
For the carriage driving enthusiasts, it’s the Marathon Driving that takes centre stage on Sunday. With Stuart Buntine’s improved marathon course bringing the action closer to the spectators than ever before.
To attend the event simply book Car Parking which includes entry to all occupants. Tickets are available from £15 per car via www.bede-events.co.uk/tickets
Release supplied by event.
