Bonanza for Babes
Local riders enjoy multiple wins and showcase some younger horses — and younger riders also get the opportunity to show what they’re made of
GRAHAM BABES laid claim to his second Scottish Branch trophy in less than a week when he took the honours in the Scottish northeast open championship.
Winner of the south-east equivalent the previous weekend at Muirmill Equestrian Centre, the Ayrshire-based rider was one of nine combinations to progress to the 1.45m second round.
He partnered the 11-year-old bay gelding Boucheron — with whom he has had considerable success recently both at home and abroad — and left nothing to chance to ensure that his name would feature on the prestigious silverware.
“I knew I had a few fast ones still to come, so it was important to take as tight a route as possible,” said Graham. “He has shown a real consistency recently and feels on top of his game, so it was an easy decision to open him up a little and have a go.
“I think we’re both enjoying jumping the bigger tracks and the European shows certainly help keep our focus,” added Graham.
Lucy Guild, winner of three 1.30m classes here, had to settle for runner-up spot with her prolific winner Hugana Van’t Heike.
“The mare seems to have turned a corner since we went to Vilamoura in the spring,” she said. “Her confidence has grown enormously.”
BIGGEST WIN
HOLLY MILLER achieved her biggest win to date with the impressive Dutch-bred Hardy
III when she emerged victorious in the Nupafeed Supplements discovery second round.
With the final round standing at 1.20m, course builder Diane Beaumont’s test was firmly on jumping, and it was no surprise to see Holly secure the class from second draw with the scopey fiveyear-old mare.
“I think she must have wondered what was happening, having to jump three rounds one after the other,” said Holly. “Normally she’s used to two-phase classes where everything’s done and dusted in one go.
“I bought her after seeing a video of her loose jumping as a three-year-old. She had an incredible attitude and balance at the fence, but since then she has exceeded my expectations,” added Holly. “She’s a very quick learner who is very eager to please.”
Carla Rice took second with an equally polished treble clear on her ride of eight months, Conqueror II.
“That was the most exciting thing I’ve done with him,” said Carla. “I never thought for a moment I would jump 1.20m today, let alone qualify for the national championships.”
Susan Deasy booked her place in the final with the eight-year-old Reve D.
PROLIFIC WINNER
THE show’s leading rider, Samantha Wiseman, took a well-deserved win in the KBIS Insurance British novice second round with the seven-yearold Fleur De Mai as the only competitor to finish faultless after three rounds.
The Fraserborough-based rider currently divides her time between an engineering degree and competing locally.
“I bought her from Cavan sales
last year and she had done very little,” said Samantha, who gained results in 12 classes throughout the tour.
“Since then, we’ve gone from British novice to Foxhunter and she has made all the transitions pretty effortlessly,” she added.
Lanarkshire’s Ashley Grant put any nerves she may have had to one side to take second with Badgerhill Euro.
“I had a fall at a show in April and broke my jaw, so I was advised not to ride,” explained Ashley. “This was only my second time back, but once I got into the third round, I was fine and just gave it my best shot.”
David Harland rounded off a successful two weeks with victory in the 1.10m championship on board the five-year-old
Sarata 3.
Discovered by his owner Liz Smith after she spotted him grazing in a field not far from her Fife home, the chestnut gelding is quickly gaining confidence at this level.