Julia Krajewski © William Carey/The Gaitpost
The duo were a class act throughout the week and were deserved winners. It was a case of third time lucky for the rider who’s based near Warendorf in Germany as her previous trips to the Yorkshire venue have be less than successful but now it’s one of her favourite venues!
Julia Krajewski © William Carey/The Gaitpost
Below them, the show jumping was certainly influential with both the second and third placed riders after cross country, Karim-Florent Laghouag and William Fox-Pitt lowering poles to demote them down the order to fifth and 11th respectively. An earlier clear round from Australian Bill Levett riding Elisabeth Murdoch’s Lassban Diamond Lift put them in with a chance of a podium place which was realised when both William and Karim-Laurent faltered.
Bill Levett © William Carey/The Gaitpost
A clear by Andrew Nicholson and the beautiful grey Swallow Springs owned by Diana Ridgeon gave them second place.
Julia Krajewski, Bill Levett and Andrew Nicholson © William Carey/The Gaitpost
Julia had a comfortable cushion as she entered the arena but she needed none of her advantage as her ten year old Contendro gelding gave every pole plenty of room for an immaculate clear and the £5,750 first prize and use of an Equi-Trek Sonic horse box for a year.
Fourth spot went to Kitty King who also took the ‘best Brit’ accolade with Vendredi Biats, owned by Samantha Wilson, Sally Eyre and Sally Lloyd-Baker after they added nothing to their dressage of 29.4.
Kitty King © William Carey/The Gaitpost
“When I was walking down I thought it would be really nice if he jumped clear,” Julia reflected. “Today we really hit it on the button and I’m really proud of him today. To finish on such a dressage score with a fit and happy horse is just really, really cool.
“Obviously I’m delighted; the week couldn’t have been any better for me. I love competing in England – the events are so friendly!”
Andrew said;
“He can jump well, but he’s been a bit green with the people in the showjumping in the past, but today he felt more secure and grown up. He’s always been a good horse at every level but like every horse, you have set backs and last year here I fell off him in the last water. This year, he’s come here and made it feel very easy.” said Andrew.
Julia Krajewski, Bill Levett and Andrew Nicholson© William Carey/The Gaitpost
Bill summed his performance up;
“He’s a young horse doing his first CCI3* and all three phases have been hugely satisfying; he was so good today. At a one-day event he can be a bit fresh and keen and have a rail, but today he was settled and showed what he can do when he’s relaxed.”
Julia Krajewski © William Carey/The Gaitpost
