Gangnam beats all
A Scottish rider capitalises on final draw, Claudia Moore scores an impressive double and a pair of Connemaras do their rider proud
SCOPE debutant Nicole Lockhead-Anderson claimed victory in the final pony class of the week.
Riding last-drawn Gangnam Style II, the Scottish rider clinched victory in the Squibb Group Dunglenn 148cm championship.
“This is the biggest track we have jumped and the pressure was on to the last fence,” said Nicole. “It was a big upright and it needed treating with respect, so I gave him every chance to it.”
Fourteen combinations progressed to the final round, where Shaunie Greig set an early target with Casino Royal VIII.
But Nicole has produced the Irish-bred eight-year-old from a complete novice and they have enjoyed a great third season.
They are Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)-bound for the newcomers and Foxhunter finals, and recently scored two wins at the national championships.
“We clicked right from the start,” said Nicole. “He’s fast and brave and I trust him to a big fence.”
Although Shaunie had to settle for second in the Dunglenn championship, she bagged one title when Destavelars Misty triumphed in the Wicks Group Jubilee 1.20m.
Shaunie is just three weeks into her partnership with Misty and it was their first real effort against the clock.
“She can be strong and it took a while to gel, but an elevator bit has done the trick and we have a real bond now,” said Shaunie.
Claudia Moore celebrated back-to-back victories when Delflip (Flipper) and Tullineaskey Fear Deas produced the winning rounds in the Pony of the Year Show (POYS) elite debut and the Waddesdon Stud 138cm championships.
Claudia and Flipper were one of five combinations progressing to the elite final round and, as pathfinders, they set off in determined style. Although the last rail fell, their time of 38.22 seconds was good enough to retain the lead.
“We chanced a gallop to the last, but our luck wasn’t in,” said Claudia.
Claudia then produced the only double clear to win the Waddesden Stud 138cm championship riding Tullineaskey Fear Deas.
“He is the most comfortable ride and almost does everything for you,” said Claudia.
SISTER TAKEOVER
ELLA HALL celebrated her first Scope championship when Calusa won the 138cm debut final.
Ella has taken over the ride on Calusa from older sister Charlotte this year.
“He is really careful, so I took the inside lines to a couple of fences,” said Ella.
Another rider to take over from an older sister (India) was Atiya Bussey, who won the 1.15m championship riding Ranchwood Latte.
“It was a hot jump-off, but I planned my lines and Latte had a real spring in her stride,” said Atiya.
Small pony championships again boasted some of the most fiercely contested finales and there can be fewer more successful first-season combinations than Izabella Rogers and the irrepressible Whinney Lass, who galloped to victory in the 128cm primary championship.
“Whinney is the quietest pony in the stable, but all she wants to do is jump so she is pretty lively in the ring,” said Izabella.
After galloping to the final oxer, Olivia Sponer topped the 128cm debut final riding Trefriw Eros (Ernie).
“We were second in our preliminary round, so I was always up to going for a win and Ernie likes to go forward and
stand off his fences,” said Olivia.
Noora Von Bulow and
Peppino Il Grande scurried round to triumph in the 128cm championship.
In her first season and under the guidance of Jason and Katrina Moore, eight-year-old Noora belied her lack of experience to angle fences and take strides out.
“This is my biggest win,” said Noora. “Pepe is really quick and I don’t think we could have gone any faster.”
In his first season with The Agent, Jake Myers has quickly formed a winning partnership and the pair produced a stunning round to win the 138cm championship.
“It was a fast jump-off, but he has plenty of scope and we trust each other,” said Jake.
BRADBURNE’S IN THE PINK
YOUTH and experience triumphed in the tiny tots championship as the newly crowned bronze league champions, nine-year-old Katie Bradburne and 28-year-old Cappagh Misty (Pinky), produced a stunning round to win.
“Pinky is good at wiggling, galloping and turning, “said
Katie, who clipped one wing with her foot.
“I don’t know how it stayed up,” she added.
Isabelle Ryder pulled off an acute turn inside the last fence to secure victory in the Pony of the Year Show (POYS) Elite five- and six-year-old championship riding Cuilin Dun.
Isabelle has produced the fiveyear-old from a complete novice this season.
“Although it was tight to come inside to the last, I knew he could do it,” said Isabelle.
The POYS seven-year-old final went to Allana Clutterbuck riding Atomic Du Bary.
The French-bred Frascator Mail seven-year-old was a newcomers finalist for Allana at HOYS last year and the pair will return to Birmingham in October to contest the newcomers and Foxhunter championships.
After missing many shows in a busy exam year, Amy Barrett made up for lost time when she won the adventurer championship riding Cobra Kaa.
“The tracks looked technical, but she’s always on the ball,” said Amy, who gained a second championship win when
Cobra Kaa topped the pony progressive final, where they set an unbeatable target.
“This is the first time I have really tested her against the clock and she was ready and eager to go,” added Amy.
Anneliese Aitken gained the first young rider title when Walk The Line II topped the under-16 championship.
“We had good times to chase, but she has a massive heart and we settled into a good rhythm,” said Anneliese.
Will Edwards and Candies B topped the under-23 B&C championship.
Early drawn in the 16-strong jump-off, Will steered inside lines everywhere and took a stride out to a strong double.
“This is our first time indoors this year, but she is naturally fast and always takes you to the next fence,” said Will.