Riders jostled for Regional Championships National Qualifiers (RCNQ) for tickets to Badminton and Bramham at Blindley Heath (2) which offered six qualifying opportunities including one 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.
The BE80 RCNQ was awarded to Rachel Ovens and Geraldine Phillips’ Ardville Arkansas who won the class on their dressage score of 31.6. Clare Drury and Kingsley Park Panther were second with 32.4, and Zoe Pinion and The Comanch were third with 34.8.
Rachel said: “I’m the luckiest and proudest person in the world to ride this horse! It was our third ever BE event together, and only the third event he has ever done. He was perfect in every way and couldn’t have done any better or tried any harder. He is talented but he is also the loveliest, kindest soul. We went with no expectations, and I could only have dreamed of this result, never ever imagining it to come true. I cried happy tears after the show jumping. I was so relieved to have gone clear. We have just had the most amazing day at a fantastic and extremely well-run event. His owner and I couldn’t be happier or more delighted. Thank you to everyone there helping today and at British Eventing.”
The popular BE90 RCNQ was split into three sections with Annabel Taylor and Liquorice Allsorts taking the victory in section A on a score of 28. In second was Tabitha Palmer-Savage and Crosstown Shadow with 28.4, and in third was Emily Dobson and Silverlinings Aphrodite on 31.
Annabel commented: “I have not been able to stop smiling all afternoon, today has been one of the best days of my life! I had a lot riding on today, as I made a pact with my mum that if I qualified for Badminton, I could keep Bertie whilst heading off to university to study Chemistry.
I had a tricky start with Bertie, but having got used to his little quirks we’ve become a real partnership and had a fantastic season, with two 2nds, two 3rds and a win today! I’m on cloud 9!
The team at Blindley were so friendly, I’d definitely go back! A massive thank you to them and also my parents, whom I couldn’t have done this without. I can’t wait to see what next year brings!”
Section B was won by Angela Sumner and Free As Air II who scored 28.4 for the win. In second was Jo Mair and Kilbrien Chris on a score of 29.9, while Kerri McNicol and Quiva Du Buisson Z were third with 31.6.
Angela said: “I was really pleased with today and am so excited to be going to Badminton again. We went this year and got a double clear but he was super tense in the dressage so we didn’t get a placing. Dressage is usually his best phase as he gets in the zone and seems to really enjoy it. He went well today, and despite a little loss of focus in the walk, we got a lovely result. Show jumping went well and we managed a nice clear. He was a little spooky in the cross country today, but we still managed a clear round.”
Charlotte Cordy-Redden and Cadilac Jack were winners of section C, finishing on their dressage score of 31.6. In second was Rachael Hardman and I M All You Want with 33, and third place went to Amy Purkis and Ballinamonapark Tiger Lilly with 33.1.
Charlotte said: “I’m so excited to have won today. Cadillac Jack is a superstar. This is his third win from six starts. He is a very big horse (17.2hh) and I am very old (64) so we do not compete much, but we love being competitive when we do.”
Another well-subscribed class was the BE100 RCNQ which was split into two sections. Tanya Viol and Kennystown Master took the honours in section L with their score of 27.8. In second was Katy Lawrence and Cheyenne Balloon with 29.4, and third went to Samantha Seaton and Ludico on 30.
Tanya said: “I had the best day and am still buzzing! You are always under pressure when qualification counts. Having been to Badminton for the first time this year at BE90, my 2024 goal was to get back there at BE100 in 2025. I had two chances, with Little Downham as my back up in October. I never dreamed I could win my RCNQ! I have produced Prince myself from a weak five-year-old, and I train with Kylie Roddy, Callum Banfield and Ann Nicell. I always want them to be proud of me.”
Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux won section M with a score of 25.8. Second was Lucinda Britnell and Floor on 29.1, and third was Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic on 31.4
Philippa said: “I’m so happy with how everything went today – Fly tried his heart out in every phase, as usual. I am also mega pleased that two of my friends also qualified at the same time – Lucinda Britnell was second and Tanya Viol won her section too. I hope Kylie Roddy is pleased as both Tanya and I train with her!”
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 D
1, Rachel Ovens and Ardville Arkansas (31.6)
2, Clare Drury and Kingsleypark Panther (32.4)
3, Zoe Pinion and The Cormach (34.8)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section A
1, Annabel Taylor and Liquorice Allsorts (28)
2, Tabitha Palmer-Savage and Crosstowns Shadow (28.4)
3, Emily Dobson and Silverlinings Aphrodite (31)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section B
1, Angela Sumner and Free As Air II (28.4)
2, Jo Mair and Kilbrien Chris (29.9)
3, Kerri McNicol and Quiva Du Buisson Z (31.6)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section C
1, Charlotte Cordy-Redden and Cadilac Jack (31.6)
2, Rachael Hardman and I M All You Want (33)
3, Amy Purkis and Ballinamonapark Tiger Lilly
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section L
1, Tanya Viol and Kennystown Master (27.8)
2, Katy Lawrence and Cheyenne Ballroom (29.4)
3, Samantha Seaton and Ludico (30)
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section M
1, Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux (25.8)
2, Lucinda Britnell and Floor (29.1)
3, Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic (31.4)
Up and coming 2024 Regional Championships dates are as follows:
- Frickley Park – 16-18 August
- Chillington Hall – 14-15 September
- Little Downham, Cambridgeshire – 5 – 6 October
To find out more, visit https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/regional-champs
Images courtesy of Spidge Event Photography
