Green makes an exceptional debut
Jump North II, Northcote Stud, Lancashire
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Marnie Green made her 1.40m grand prix debut a winning one, when she topped a class field with her 15.2hh mare, Ice Cold Z.
The local rider, who came off ponies two years ago, delivered a tight clear with the nine-yearold bay, beating Guy Williams (Crispina Z) into second place, while a late challenge from Robert Murphy (Chapecow) took third.
“I didn’t expect to win,” Marnie said. “My friend who was with me said, ‘It’s your first grand prix, go in and enjoy it and have fun.’ But I went in and thought, ‘I know I’ve got a good horse and I know what she can do for me.’”
The consistent combination had already won the first day’s power and speed, where Marnie and “Aria” topped the class by more than one second over Graham Babes and Esunja.
“I went one less up all the distances in the power and speed,” Marnie said. “Because she is small and can turn tightly, she saves time everywhere.”
Marnie bought the Iceman De Muze mare during the first lockdown and they have worked their way up to the bigger tracks.
“We’ll aim to go abroad in February, then try for some Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] qualifiers and trials in the summer,” she added.
GOOD START FOR GAIR
HOLLY GAIR was off to what you might call a “good start” at her first show of 2022 – on her three rides she won two 90cm opens, two 1m opens, two 1.10m opens and the mini grand prix, as well as collecting three second places.
Her mini grand prix victor, LGS Survivor, was runner-up in the bronze league final at HOYS in October and has now tallied 87 wins since last January.
“When I first got her, there was a problem with her stopping, she wouldn’t even go over 60cm,” said Holly. “I stripped all her tack down, then it took a lot of hard work, but we turned things round.
“We’d like to step her up to bigger heights now and try for this year’s silver league.”
Holly also collected wins on Top Line Bellini and Carrighill Russelle, another tricky mare who has now found winning form.
“You have to have a very quiet seat, but she is so fast and her stride is so adaptable,” Holly said. “She doesn’t warm up well, though, but once you get her in the ring, she pops her head down and gets to work.”