Frickley Park proved to be a successful venue for Simon Middleton who landed the BE100 Open Regional Championship title riding Goodwins Class. The pair performed a 30 dressage test, followed by four faults in the show jumping and 2.8 time penalties cross country to finish on a total score of 36.8.
“I love Frickley – it’s a super event with a great atmosphere, fabulous courses and a very hospitable host and organising committee,” said Simon. “I’m delighted with Goodwins Class. We’ve had him nearly two years after buying him from Vere Phillips. He’s very talented but we’ve had to take it step by step with him in order to gain his trust. I’ve always known he was super talented but he lacked trust and I feel we’re on the right track now. I’m taking him to Blair Castle next week to do the CIC1* so today was a great preparation run for that.”
Of the regional championships, Simon added: “I think the Regional Championships play a really positive part in the BE calendar.”
The BE90 Open Regional Championship went to Lucy Robinson with Ecclesbourne Shark Bay who added just 0.4 time penalties cross country to their 23.5 dressage to finish on 23.9.
A super double clear with just 0.4 cross country time penalties added to their 26.5 dressage saw Megan Elphick and Jamelia (pictured above) crowned the overall BE90 Regional Championship National Qualifier winners finishing section K in the lead on 26.9.
“It was great to be back at the beautiful Frickley Park again this year for the Badminton qualifiers,” said Megan. “It was lucky for me last year, and I know they always build full-up jumping tracks which really suits my mare. Our four-hour journey was well worth it as we secured the win in our section. The feeling of qualifying for Badminton Grassroots is like no other, being able to compete at such a prestigious venue on my homebred, overgrown ponies feels like a fantasy. I can’t wait – bring on May!”
RESULTS
BE90 open regional championship – section L
1, Lucy Robinson with Ecclesbourne Shark Bay (23.9)
2, Suzanne Ross and Findatie Bracken (26.5)
3, Samantha Hobbs and MSJ Sinfonia (27.5)
BE100 open regional championship – section T
1, Simon Middleton and Goodwins Class (36.8)
2, Tia Lewis and Archie Lad (37.6)
3, Lucy Robinson and Olaris Beech (39.3)
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 (20% of starters) pick up their qualifying tickets for Bramham BE80 championships and the BE90 and BE100 Badminton championships…
BE80 RCNQ for Bramham Grassroots – section G
1, Amy Bevans and Annas Delight (29.5)
2, Bethany Hall and Zephyr II (30.4)
3, Annabelle Aston-Wright and Mill House Adimo Pectore (31.5)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section I
1, Isabelle Bloomfield and Jonjo Star (28.5)
2, Ros Smith and Flying Star (30.3)
3, Lucy Copeland and Dernahatten Colour Code (31.4)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section J
1, Charlotte Tilley and Primas Rose (29.9)
2, Deanne Burgin and Carnsdale Foxtrot (30.6)
3, Joanne Monkman and G Damascus (31.4)
BE90 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section K
1, Megan Elphick with Jamelia (26.9)
2, Beth Harrison and Garthfach Whisky Rocks (28.1)
3, Chloe Sharman and Westmount Leah (28.5)
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section R
1, Sophia Robinson and NBE Harlem (26.9)
2, Lucinda Mills and Chaconda Blue (28.5)
3, Alison Unwin and Castlelawn Hendricks Blue (32.2)
BE100 RCNQ for Badminton Grassroots – section S
1, Hannah Sutton and Bertie Park (31.3)
2, Emily Hamilton and Musical Legend II (33.7)
3, Lola Vaughton and Boy Leanna (34.8)
British Eventing’s Regional Championships not only provide eligible BE members the opportunity to pick up a prized ticket to ride at the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham and the Voltaire Design BE90 and BE100 Championships at Badminton, but they also give BE members, including those competing up to BE100 on horses that aren’t eligible to compete at Bramham and Badminton, the chance to aim for a championship and be crowned regional champion.
Up and coming 2023 Regional Championships dates are as follows:
- Chillington Hall, Staffordshire – 9-10 September
- Little Downham, Cambridgeshire – 30 September – 1 October
To find out more, visit https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/championships/regional-champs
