Local Rider Claims Warner Leisure CCI2*
Despite the persistent and challenging weather conditions the Warner Leisure CCI2*S proceeded as planned, amidst a revised competition schedule at the Eventing Spring Carnival.
Rising to the top of the field, with the only cross-country clear within the optimum time, was Nottinghamshire’s own Lizzie Baugh, riding Toni Dalby Rose’s 8-year-old Shannondale Cedric.
Of the win Lizzie Baugh commented: “He was a little bit excited in the dressage and didn’t really produce his best work, he was a little bit tense, but he rose to the top in the Showjumping. He really tried hard in the mud. Cross-country he’s a really good cross-country horse and he’s always straight and honest on his lines so that was never an issue for him, he covers the ground so well. I knew he might be competitive as the Showjumping had caused issues, I didn’t necessarily ride for the time, and he comfortably galloped round in the time. I’m just really grateful to the whole team here for all the extra effort they have gone to, we are all just so grateful of the run at the moment.”
Completing just 0.6 behind in second place was Sophie Callard, riding Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry’s, Brookfield Benjamin Bounce. Just the final fence maring what was otherwise a textbook Showjumping round.
Of the round Sophie Callard commented: “I’m thrilled with Bounce, he’s just amazing! He was incredible and travelled really happily, jumping well and tried his heart out today. I really couldn’t have asked for much more from him. The event has done an incredible job getting us all in, getting us out again, keeping it running. They accommodated all of our needs so well – they’ve been really so great.”
No stranger to a podium finish was dressage leader Tom McEwen riding Magdelena Gut, Vicky Bates, and David Myers’ Falaise De Riverland. Of the performance Tom McEwen commented: “First run of the season for Falaise, really pleased with her, she’s had a few trips out hunting over the winter and we’re all quite used to going round arenas and not so much out of the mud, but she tried really hard. The cross-country, it was a cracking course and was just such a shame for the organisers in general as they’ve done a fantastic job and the ground really is superb out on course.”
CCI3* and CCI4* Dressage Leaders:
In the Lycetts Grantham Cup CCI4*S it is reigning Badminton champions Laura Collett and London 52 who top the leaderboard with a score of 24.3. Laura and London 52 finished second in the feature CCI4*S here last year before going on to lift the prestigious Badminton CCI5* trophy a few weeks later.
Close on their heels are Kentucky bound combination, and 2022 World Champions, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir. Of the test Yasmin Ingham commented: “I think in general for everybody, with the weather not quite on our side, we’re a bit short of runs but hopefully we’re coming to Thoresby off the back of some good training sessions. He’s come out of last year feeling better than ever, which is really exciting. He did a brilliant test today, very mistake free, and quite consistent. I think he could have been a little more expressive without the mud, but we had to deal with that today. He’s very light on his feet and he’s super athletic and agile which helps him in these sort of conditions. He still just floats around and I’m very lucky to have a horse who’s just able to do that.”
In the second CCI4*S section it is last year’s winner Piggy March, this time riding Brookfield Cavalier Cruise who take the early lead on a score of 25.4. Piggy March commented: “I’m so chuffed with him, it’s my first time with him at this level, obviously none of us have done much this spring so it’s just a case of getting them out and doing something. He coped with the ground conditions really well and trotted round there as if there wasn’t any mud, so fair play to him. He’s a lovely balanced horse who copes with it really well. My only mistake was my second change which we put down to rider error, but there you go it’s just about getting in the ring and learning, and I learnt a lot from that today. Delighted with his performance and lots to work on for the rest of the year.”
In a change to the leader board for the Investec CCI3* it is now Eliza Bell (nee Stoddart) who takes a commanding lead with De Pleasure on 24.7, ahead of Bubby Upton and Viktor Krum who slip to second on 27.7.
Further updates have been made to the event layout to combat the effects of the weather. The Showjumping has been relocated from the Main Arena to the outside Showjumping arena. The Main Arena will now be turned into a Country Show Arena featuring Gun Dog Displays, Shire Horses, Dog Agility, Ferets and much much more.
For further information visit www.bede-events.co.uk
