Anthony Condon and Whinny Jackson took the National under 21 title by heading a blanket finish to the final Hopkinson International championship at the easibed BSJA/Scope Festival on Thursday evening.
Just 0.5sec separated the top four riders, Lance Whitehouse and his B&C winner Tors La Loi taking second. “It was a hot jump off and it was the turn to the second last oxer which won the class,” said Anthony.
Andrew Saywell and Zenith IV triumphed in the Leonardo Collection national four-year-old championship, which was judged on style and performance. The talented Dutch-bred gelding by Rash R out of Sascha, notched up a 34 point winning margin. “He has scope to burn, and is a real gentleman to ride” said Andrew.
Keith Shore clinched the Equiport National five-year-old Milton championship riding his own, and Betty Brandon’s Mystic Hurricane. They cut every corner to finish ahead of Jackson Reed-Stephenson on Mary T. Home bred by Betty Brandon, Mystic Hurricane is by Tornado out of Magic Top. “I think this horse will go all the way, no course is too big for him” said Keith.
There was no stopping the winning run of Laura Renwick and the Heartbreaker sired Beluga II, who claimed the Mattie Brown National seven-year-old championship in fine style. Chasing a fast time set by Sharon Quigley and Sumas Sound of Music, Laura raced through the start, and never eased up until Beluga II finished 1sec ahead.
Scottish rider Nadine Warwick made her first ride at the Scope Festival a winning one, when Kelso Lady Joycie won a thrilling Whittaker Coachbuilders National senior championship. It proved a fast and furious jump off, and Nadine, who is chef d’equipe of the Scottish home pony international team left nothing to chance.
Two more championships concluded on Thursday, Rebecca Walker and Mysteron headed the Smarter Builder national 1.15m championship, and Chantelle De Verteuil and Cara Anchises combined speed and accuracy to win the Equissage National Discovery championship.
