English Home Pony International
Heledd Thomas and Dooly beat off a strong Irish challenge in the Charles Britton Equestrian Construction 148cm Grand Prix at South View’s four-day English Home Pony International, reports Margaret Shaw.
Ireland’s David Blake and Loughnatousa Bert held on to second place, while Claire Bailey and Midwest Star were best of the English in third.
The 128cm grand prix was won by Amy Dobson on Brookhall Glimpse ahead of Tom Willett and J’s Junior. The 138cm grand prix went to James Smith and Fountain Ranger. Dominique Whittaker and My Bugsy Malone finished second.
The Fledglings section for pairs who have yet to compete together at HOYS or the Royal International went to Ireland’s Shannon Howley, 12, riding Silver Songburst.
The popular Debut series saw nine-year-old Katie House take the 128cm title on My Little Pumpkin. The 138cm equivalent had joint winners in Laura Pritchard (Spot On VI) and Stephanie Gunn (Dylasau Derior). Tom Restorick headed the 148cm debut with Eva’s Will.
In the team competitions Wales took the 128cm title ahead of England, while the 138cm gold medals went to Ireland. England gained a convincing win over Ireland in the 148cm class. England and Scotland had to jump off for the debut title, but the English squad clinched the title.
Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton gained numerous placings at the opening show in Washington, North America.
The World Cup qualifier was won by another European visitor, Dutchman Harrie Smolders, on Oliver Q. Michael Whitaker made the jump-off with Insultech Portofino, but had two fences down to finish down the order.
Michael Whitaker finished a close second in the hit and hurry on Quidame Des Hayettes, while Nick Skelton and Lisa Hales’s Russel reached the final round of the puissance after clearing 6ft 11in.
Reigning champion Annabel McKain won the Blue Chip Sparkle JC/JA at Gracelands with Sir Watkin, reports Suzanne Jones. Chad Fellows qualified three ponies — second-placed FI Mariella, the coloured stallion Spider and Tex Two.
Chad also finished second and fourth in the Coral jump-off with Simply Pot Black and Return To Sender, but had to concede to Kelly Kirkham on Hearnesbrook Supernova. This pair also produced an impressive double clear in the Blue Chip Sparkle.
Read these reports in full, including photographs, plus reports from Scottish Junior Supporters, Moorhouse, Solihull, West Wilts and a round up of recent international action in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (9 November, ’06)
