YOUNG TALENT

YET again, the World Class Development Programme Under-23 class showcased some of the best of Britain’s young riders.

A high-class field of 50 went to post over a tough 1.50m track and the winning round from Robert Murphy riding Newbridges Chablis SW (pictured) was a joy to watch.

The local rider had his first show with Stacey Webb and Andy Brown’s Couleur Rubin 10-year-old in June and this was the biggest test they had faced.

“We have spent some time getting to know each other and this was a meaty track to have a real go at. A couple of the inside lines proved tricky and we risked taking a stride out to the last but it paid off,” said Robert, who finished two seconds ahead of grand prix winners Georgia Tame and Cash Up.

Competition was keen as 19 combinations produced initial clears to chase points towards Olympia qualification.

Also producing double clears were next-placed James Whitaker (Glenavadra Brilliant), Chloe Winchester (Billy Cool), Yazmin Davis (Zanbowa Z), Harry Wainwright (Pinheiro Beech), youngest rider in the class Molly Andrews (Wilando B) who was having her first competition at this level, and James Winter (Cosmo Boy).