Other students who competed and scored placings were Hugo Lennard and Rebecca Sim. Hugo, who also studies Equine Business Management, placed fifth in the Lister Amateur A Tour First Leg when piloting his own 14-year-old gelding Vreymoedt to a double clear. Equestrian Sports Science degree student Rebecca, 21, also secured a top 10 placing in the Cushionbed Amateur A and B Tours Handicap riding her own Queen Of Carrickdawnson.
Phillip Cheetham, Equine Director, said:
“In total, there were hundreds of rounds jumped and countless poles picked up over the course of the weekend and it wouldn’t be possible to run such a successful event without the help of our student volunteers and the equine centre team, all of whom worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.
“A big thanks to our sponsors and all the spectators for their continued support of this fantastic show as they helped provide the kind of big-event atmosphere that gives our students supporting the event and competing a unique experience. Our rising Academy stars relished the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best riders in the country.”
With a total of 13 classes running over the weekend, there were plenty of valuable prizes to be won and course designer Paul Connor kept the competitors on their toes. John Daker kicked off proceedings by winning the first class aboard Credit Card.
There was also a win for Rachel Horton in the Cushionbed Amateur Warm-Up, James Emblen took the A Tour First Leg while Laura Whittington landed the Andrews Bowen A Tour Grand Prix. James Johnson scored a valuable double by winning both the B Tour First Leg and the subsequent Grand Prix on his own Zorro V.
Sarah Hedges took the first of the Blue Chip qualifiers, heading the Karma Performance Qualifier with Millfield Verve, before Jay Halim won the Dynamic B and C qualifier riding Derby. Emma Slater continued her good form by qualifying in both classes for the Blue Chip Winter Championships which will be held at Hartpury next April.
