FIVE-STAR MARE AND TEENAGER TEAM UP

ARCHIE HUMFREY has been knocking on the door all season, but at South of England (2), the 16-year-old A-level student bagged a first win in the under-18 open novice with Rose Carnegie’s ex-five-star partner, Landine (pictured, above).

“This is my second season with her and we’ve really gelled now,” said Archie, who was offered the 17-year-old mare on loan when he went to try another horse on Rose’s yard that didn’t suit. “She is very special and she’s had an amazing career with Rose [completing Badminton in 2015 and finishing 23rd at Pau two years later]. I’m very lucky to have her.”

Archie has been working hard on the dressage phase, with help from Michael Eilberg and Joe Bright.

“This was the first test we’d done where she stayed completely calm throughout,” said Archie, who is aiming at juniors next year.

Grace Barr and Balnashallog Maestro (Jerry) added to their tally of BE100u18 wins at Kelsall Hill (2), having won the same class at Stafford earlier in the month.

The 14hh Connemara gelding, who has a significant following on Instagram, has a penchant for cross-country and putting things – especially zip toggles – in his mouth.

“He’s quite a character. When we bought him two years ago, he’d been doing working hunters and hadn’t evented at all, so we’re both learning together,” said 15-year-old Grace, who hopes to step up to novice level and pony trials next year.