‘To win was beyond our wildest dreams’
A 15-year-old rider and a 19-yearold horse she had ridden only twice before produced a fantastic round to win the bronze league second round.
Anna Drury is still competing ponies, but was offered the ride on the 15hh Sparkling Indulgence as owner Mandy Vicary and her daughter Rachel, his usual jockey, thought that a step down from his usual 1.20m level would suit him.
And suit him it did, as the new pair produced a fabulous double clear to take the top ticket to the Aintree final.
“We went to the show hoping to just get round, and to win was beyond our wildest dreams,” said Anna’s mother Emma. “But this horse is a legend and I can’t thank the Vicarys enough for giving Anna this opportunity.”
The silver league qualifier went to Gemma Hallett with Susan Jarman’s Billy Mexico mare Billy Jive, while Rosie Hull was rewarded for a five-hour journey from Essex with a win in the British novice second round on her six-year-old Krafty Vivendi. After a fast jump-off for the discovery equivalent, the honours went to local rider Mollie Smith and another six-year-old, Church Park Elite.
Competition was also hot in the 1.40m classes, with plenty of international riders making the frame. Will Fletcher and Emmerton II came out top on day one, while Chloe Reynolds and Grenadier Volo proved unbeatable on the other two days.