SOUTH
Mandy Day gained early winter qualifications with Giomf and Eaton I.
Mandy bought Giomf, a sixyear-old Sorrento x Goodtimes mare, three years ago. Already qualified for the winter regionals at medium, a win in elementary 43 and a second in the qualifier secured elementary qualification.
“She can be a hot horse, but she did two really good tests,” said Mandy. “She’s one I’d like to keep.”
Two medium wins completed winter qualification for Ruth Schaffier’s Eaton I, who is by Warrant. “We bought him as an unbacked three-year-old and sold him to Ruth, but because she has a bad back, I’ve got the ride,” explained Mandy.
Deborah Collins and Zubikarlo completed their second grand prix on 67.5%, a good score for a combination new to the level.
“He felt mentally confident and his tempis had more ‘sit’,” said Deborah, who has been working with Ann Bostock on test preparation, alongside her longterm trainer, Nicola McGivern.
The 13-year-old Rubiquil gelding will now have a hacking break, with no more competitions until next year.
The British-bred four-year-old Newton Ferraria (Fürst Wilhelm x Rubinstein) — owned by H&H’s former dressage editor Alice Collins and nicknamed “The Chosen One” — had her first win at novice.
“The test was ultra-wobbly and green with some mistakes, but when The Chosen One is cruising, you feel like an absolute queen,” said Alice.