Upton cruises to a one-two
Two European medallists win their sections, while riders tune up for the autumn campaign
BUBBY UPTON dominated the under-21 open intermediate, winning with her junior European gold medal ride Eros DHI with Cola III close behind in second.
It was Eros’ first time out since the Europeans, and Bubby had to work hard to keep a lid on the eight-year-old.
“He thinks a lot of himself anyway and he was very excited in the dressage,” said Bubby, who also picked up an eighth place with Cannavaro, achieving a trio of double clears.
“I just let him cruise round the cross-country rather than going for the time, and he felt unbelievably good.”
Cola III, a former ride of Vicky Tuffs, is being aimed at the sevenyear-old class at Osberton.
Bubby, who is now on a gap year with her horses after gaining an A* and two As at A level, moves up to young riders next year.
“I’d like to give it a crack before I go to Edinburgh University this time next year,” she added.
Local rider Charlotte Dennis kept a clean sheet to finish third on her dressage score on
Countess Peel and Harriet Corner’s Urix D Alemps.
Nicola Wilson won intermediate section A on an exciting six-year-old, JL Dublin, owned by Deirdre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert, who also own her European individual bronze medallist Bulana.
The Diarado gelding was found in Germany and was contesting his second intermediate after having an uncharacteristic two down in the novice championships at Gatcombe.
“He was a bit starstruck in the showjumping at Gatcombe, but concentrated here, and gave me a lovely ride,” said Nicola who led from pillar to post.
“He has a good brain and is very exciting for the future.”
He will be aimed at Le Lion’s young horse class or Osberton.
In second was Brier Leahy with Kellen, who was having a confidence-giving run before contesting the CIC2* at Gatcombe. The pair are fresh from the Pony Club Championships, where they won their section.
“He’s 14 now, but I got him as an eight-year-old who had done very little and produced him myself,” said Brier who works for Celtic Dragon Sport Horses.
“The heavens opened just as I came out of the start box, but he gave me his heart and soul.”
The open intermediate was won by Bella Innes Ker on Carolyn, who was regrouping after three rails and time-penalties in the showjumping at Blair Castle.
“This has given us a nice confidence boost as we’ve rerouted to Blenheim after pulling out before the cross-country at Blair,” said Bella.
“She didn’t like the going there, but it was perfect here, so we’re back on track.”
In second was James Sommerville on Talent, who is preparing for an autumn campaign, having recovered from the knock which put them out of the Nations Cup team in America.
“I had to go for the time as he definitely needed the run at Somerford and clocked up penalties there,” said James, who was another caught in the rainstorm. “But it was slippery, so we took it carefully.”
James is aiming for Waregem or Ballindenisk with the 11-yearold by Eurocommerce Toulouse.
He was one of a handful of riders who did make the time, and another quick round put him in second place in section
B on Judi Thurloe and Caroline Goodwin’s Rapide GII. James took over the ride from Willa Newton earlier this year.
“It’s taken some time to get his dressage together but he has a great attitude.” he said.
The winners, Harry Mutch and HD Bronze, added nothing to their smart dressage score of
29.6 to put them over five penalties ahead.
It was the combination’s second intermediate win this season and they now head to their first advanced at Allerton Park.
“Gwyneth Lewis trains us for dressage and it’s made a big difference,” said Harry.