In the first qualifier of the Under 23 British Championships for 2017, Emily Ward came out on top after producing a fantastic double clear round at Arena UK in Allington.
Emily, on board Remi Cavalleri, owned by Anna Bedford, was one of two pairs to post two clear rounds from the 20 starters. They posted a time of 40.01 seconds to finish just over five seconds ahead of Charlene Bastone and New Bridges Chablis, owned by Stacey Webb, who cleared the final fence in a time of 46.65 seconds.
Alfie Bradstock and Hello Discoboy D.N., owned by Lady Pauline Kirkham made it through to the jump-off as one of the five combinations; they picked up four faults in the first round but put in a superb final clear round, stopping the clock in a quick time of 35.78 seconds to take third place. Olivia Poole and Michelle Poole’s Connery also flew round in a quick 38.24 seconds but picked up four faults on their way round to place them fourth whilst Jake Saywell and Cantho Z, owned by Rachel Gascoine took fifth place with eight faults. Heather Larson took sixth place with Townhead Imagine de Muze, owned by Susan Larson.
Tina Goosen, World Class Programme Showjumping Podium Potential Coordinator commented: “It was a very competitive jump-off with some very quick rounds and some great jumping in particular from the top two pairs. The U23 series is a great competition for our young riders to develop their riding at leading shows and I look forward to seeing some of them at next weekend’s final which concludes the 2016 series.”
The next qualifier will take place at Bury Farm, Leighton Buzzard from the 12 – 15 January 2017.
For more information on the series click here.
