British veteran riders made their mark at the recent international jumping show at La Baule, France, where they won all the major classes.
The British riders threw down the gauntlet on the first day, when Liz Howes won a jump off class with Iman du Preclair from John Williams on Attorney General, while Jennifer Patty and Houdini took a second and third places in other classes.
The Brits went on to excel in the following day’s derby class. The class was won by Laureen Evans on Clarissa, who jumped the only clear round in the competition. “Clarissa really enjoyed the challenge of the cross-country fences, and went from strength to strength”, said Laureen. In second and third places were Kim Vernon (Ramosa) and Lynda Birke (Carlanstown Grandpa) with four faults each, then Lynda again in fifth (Simply Cider) and John Williams (Tazzer van Tenhaegendoorn) in sixth, completing almost a clean sweep for Britain.
The small tour grand prix — the Challenge Cup &mdash, was won by Ann Berry with Patsies Dream with the only clear round in the jump off. Ann was delighted with her win as Patsie has not long returned to competition after having a foal last year.
Jennifer Patty won the big tour grand prix (the Europa Cup) with her home-bred eight-year old Houdini. “Its always been my ambition to have a big win on a home-bred horse,” she said.
The winning British veteran Nation’s Cup squad: (left to right) Lynda Birke, Liz Howes, John Williams and Jennifer Patty
On the final day Lynda Birke and Simply Cider were narrowly beaten into second place in a jump off class, before the Nations Cup got underway with two British teams in action. It was touch and go between Britain I and France all the way, but a pole down at the final fence in the second round put paid to French chances, giving Britain the win. Britain II finished in fourth place.
- The British veteran riders will be in action on home soil at the international veterans show in England, at Addington Manor in August.
