AINTREE’S UNAFFILIATED SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS
6TH FEBRUARY 2011

 

Organisers at the wonderful Aintree International Equestrian Centre received a capacity entry, as junior and senior riders travelled far and wide to contest their respective championships.

With a rug, sash, rosette, and a Fearns Farm Equestrian and Country voucher to the value of £50 going to all the winners, down to a £20 voucher down to sixth place in all championships, every final was hotly contested from start to finish not to mention two race tickets kindly donated by Aintree Racecourse.

First champions of the day was Abbie Bevan with Cyril, who stormed home to win the 70cm junior novice final with 14yr old Freya Scott and  her 8yr old Strawberry roan Pippa taking a close second.  Jasmine Markl with her new pony of only seven weeks, the Grey Connemara Finders Keepers close on the heels of the two leaders coming in third.   Thirteen year old Katey Beresford, Pony Club member from Anglesey was the delighted winner of the 80cm junior intermediate championship, Katey certainly threw caution to the wind over the twisty jump off course, and her aptly named Send in the Troops chestnut roan pony matched her determination stride for stride, the pair finishing fractionally ahead of Becky Graham riding Smokey.  Like the previous winners, Katey and Send in the Troops have also represented their Pony Club branch in team competitions. Katey’s 16-year-old pony has proved a brilliant all rounder, competing in the Dengie finals as well as being placed in the Trailblazers championships.  Last year’s winner, 13yr old Jasmine Watts fought very hard to retain her title but eventually came a very respectful third place riding Black Magic III.

The final junior champions on the day were Michael Murphy with Icey, who headed the 90cm junior open final. Ten jumped clear in the first round to contest the timed jump off, and it was a particularly good turn to the final line that sealed victory for Michael and his mount Icey, the pair finishing ahead of 12yr old Corin Molyneaux riding her grey Connemara Nemo and Becky Graham riding Beaufort II securing third place.

Senior classes were also hard fought throughout, and winning the 75cm senior novice title were Donna Maddock on Hugh.  Sharon Ley with Connie her Thoroughbred x Irish Draught partner had a stiff target to reach but couldn’t quite pull it off to come in a worthy second.   A regular at Aintree, Cheshire rider Carmen Edwards on Flossy was placed third.

Daisy Excell has been a keen supporter of Aintree and proved hot stuff in the following 85cm senior intermediate. The pair were a mere blur across the arena as they twisted, turned, and galloped from start to finish. Daisy never took a pull throughout their round, and they finished ahead of Hayley Fletcher riding Ria.  Third place went to Rebecca Melling with Moorhay Raindance.

The final championship went to Rachel Farrington riding Archie who gained a 1sec winning margin to clinch the 95cm senior open title ahead of Jake Rose riding Scatman. Although Jemma Lawson made a spirited challenge they had to settle for third place with Bruce.

The qualifying rounds and championships received great support from the very generous sponsors of Fearns Farm Equestrian and Country for the supply of tack shops vouchers, Tynllwyn Tack Shop for the supply of rugs and numnahs and Emerald Fotos for the photos supplied to all winners.  All the winners also received two race tickets kindly donated by Aintree Racecourse., Feedback from competitors was all positive, and the 2011/2012 series is eagerly awaited.