Irish eyes were certainly smiling at the conclusion of the National Gentlemens Championship, as Billy Twomey and his stable jockey Anthony Condon took the top two places riding Montanus Colorado and Cruisings Micky Finn. Ten contested the final round, and Cheshire based Billy Twomey took the lead from 4th draw. Just for good measure, Billy also claimed 4th spot with Tinkas Serenade.
A winner of three classes already at the BSJA/Scope Festival, Laura Renwick dominated the National Ladies Championship by finishing 1st, 2nd and 9th riding Beluga II, Limelight De Breve and Roller Coaster III. A brave gallop to the last clinched victory. “ Beluga relished it,” said Laura.
Simon Crippen proved in great form in the National 1.30m Classic championship; the Herts rider taking 1st and 4th places with Tjelke and Simply Billie Bunter.
A brilliant effort from Joe Davison and Antrim Sunshine clinched victory in the National Under 18 championship. “We were a bit close to the last, but everything worked out,” said Joe, who held on to the lead despite a spirited challenge by last drawn Lucy Guild and Titi D’Oase.
Lizzie Aldridge and Eddie’s Dream produced the only double clear to win the junior Foxhunter masters. They also claimed the top ticket on offer to the Horse of the Year Show. Taking the remaining places to HOYS were Abbie Griffin (Cragghouse Griff 3rd) and Harriet King (Sir Wallace 7th), who both earned newcomer tickets on Tuesday, while Stephanie Gunn (Cool Diamond 10th) claimed the final ticket to Birmingham.
Lizzie (Aldridge), who is in her final pony year narrowly missed a second victory in the following Starspotters championship, but on this occasion, they had to settle for third place behind Georgie Roadnight (Herbie’s Double Trouble) and late drawn Danielle Lawrence (Karlesberg).
Yet again, the National primary 128cm and 138cm final rounds provided fast and furious finales, and winning their respective 128cm and 138cm championships were Faye Adams (Martha’s Darling) and Sophie Luke (Something About Bandit).
Championship results
Smiths Equestrian 128cm Primary. – 1, Martha’s Darling (F Adams); 2, Princess Sophie (D Brown); 3, Flinor Songbird (M Allen). ditto 138cm. – 1, Something About Bandit (S Luke); 2, Atlantic Jewel (L Robinson); 3, Loughcutra Lad (G Babes). Squibb Demolition junior Foxhunter. – 1, Eddie’s Dream (E Aldridge); 2, Ultrador (J Mendoza); 3, Cragghouse Griff (A Griffin). Geoffrey Robinson pony Starspotters. – 1, Herbie’s Double Trouble (G Roadnight); 2, Karlsberg (D Lawrence); 3, Eddie’s Dream. HBF Equestrian National 1.30m classic championship. – 1, Tjelke L (S Crippen); 2, Gitan D’Inconville (M Watson); 3, Alimo (C Foreman). Ladies National Championship. – 1 & 2, Beluga II & Limelight De Breve (L Renwick); 3eq, Wexford (J Kirk) & Gemmaire Precious II (N Pavitt). National Gentlemens Championship. – 1, Montanus Colarado (B Twomey); 2, Cruisings Micky Finn (A Condon); 3, Cree Cruiser (A Barr).
