Hard work pays off
Pony second round shows
PONY riders chased the last Aintree spots at shows in Somerset and Scotland, where clear rounds were at a premium.
At Chard Equestrian, Somerset, Thomas Hooper jumped the only double clear to win the pony showjumper of the year qualifier on Intention EEZ.
This was only the second attempt at the level for Thomas and the 12-year-old Belgian-bred former broodmare, who started her showjumping career in 2018. It was also some recompense for missing out in the winter JC final at Hickstead, where they finished second after setting the fastest time at the expense of a late pole.
“I am so proud of Thomas because he works so hard and has missed out on much of his final pony year due to Covid,” said his father Richard.
Elysia Heagren Bond jumped the only double clear to win the junior Foxhunter second round on Attyrory Golden Lady, Holly Pearson Taylor and Baronsdown Obi Kanobi finished clear of their pony discovery rivals, and the only first-round clear was enough to head the 138cm qualifier for Bella Wild and Fancy A Baileys.
Siblings Thomas and Katie Bradburne continued their good run at this show. Thomas won the pony newcomers second round on Derryinver Rocky, while Katie scored a 128cm onetwo with Carrowvilla Izzy and Runaway Dolly.
Lily Watchman was on top form at Muirmill Equestrian Centre, Ayrshire, where she scored a double in the qualifiers. She and Buttons Two jumped the only double clear to win the 138cm class, adding to Lily’s British novice second round win with Carnsdale Mystery Man.
Amy Morris was another double winner. One mistake in round one was enough for her to win the pony showjumper on Tobar King and she went on to victory in the Foxhunter second round on Robe Silver Lady.
Poppy Deakin and Icaris W jumped the fastest of two double clears to win the newcomers second round. The discovery equivalent went to Belle Garrigan on LJ Queen Mac.
“I am so proud of Thomas”
RICHARD HOOPER