Louise Whitaker wins Arena UK Grand Prix
Monday 05 December 2016
Louise Whitaker lifted the feature winter premier grand prix on Prince Sultan Saud’s Leen OL to conclude the four day meeting at Arena UK.
Eleven of the 29 starters produced round one clears over course-designer Di Boddy’s 13-fence track, and Louise’s deceptively quick effort on the Berlin x Kannan mare Leen held off all challenges.
“I honestly thought I’d left room for someone to beat me. I kept tight everywhere but didn’t expect to win,” said Louise who shares the ride on this eight-year-old with her father John.
“Dad takes her to some of the five star shows, then I drop her back down to 1.40m classes.”
Robert Bevis used his final draw to ease Courtney Z into second with Miles O’Donnell, aged 19, in third on Borsato.
Emily Ward jumped two immaculate clears on Anne Bedford’s 10-year-old Remi Cavalleri to take the world class development under 23 in fine style, claiming 2017 qualification for Olympia. This was a run out in preparation for the 2016 final.
“Qualifying for next year’s final is a bonus, she’s on great form and I’m hoping the form holds for Olympia in a couple of weeks,” said Emily, who is based locally to Arena UK with Michael Whitaker.
Charlene Bastone jumped the only other double clear to take second on Stacey Webb’s Newbridges Chablis SW. Alfie Bradstock, who joined the four jump-off clears with the fastest round one four faults, posted a clean sheet in the jump-off to move up to third on Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Hello Disckoboy DN.
“I only went in for experience, this is so unexpected,” said Ashlea Silk-Jones after heading a hard-fought winter B and C with Valentina B to register her Hickstead debut.
Again, eleven reached the jump-off with Ashlea executing ultra-tight lines to take victory by 0.45 sec on her mother Jackie’s Valentino-sired seven-year-old mare.
Alfie Bradstock brought Kevin Sleap’s Dumolga, an eight-year-old by Conterno Grande and ridden since August, into second for the other qualifying spot.
Kerry Brennan claimed a victory double on her mother Liane Smith’s Warrant eight-year-old Dynamic III, winning the final day’s 1.30m and taking first in the winter 1.35m, guaranteeing qualification for the inaugural London Spring International Horse Show.
“It was a very fast class so we set off and took all the tight turn options, especially to the final oxoer,” said Kerry, who is thrilled to be off to this new show at Easter 2017.
Louise Saywell and Graham Ward’s Feigtling claimed second with Julie Andrews claiming the third and final qualifying spot on Ayrton IV.
British-based Irishman Richard Howley topped the London Spring International winter grade C qualifier on ex-eventer Culandro, a nine-year-old owned by Krista Brown who joined Richard three months ago.
“He switched from eventing to showjumping easily and is now consistent, I’m so pleased for Krista and her husband Nick he’s qualified for the new show in London,” said Richard.
Taking second was Charlie Dawson on MB Landini with Katie Pytches in third on Jolie Fleur. Picking up the final qualifying place was Yazmin Davis on Zanbowa Z.
Lance Whitehouse clinched a win in the Blue Chip B and C on Don Diablo, an eight-year-old by Unaniem and owned by Louise Foster.
“He’s ready to step up a level now, I’m planning to take him to Spain in the New Year,” said Lance.
Mimi Beecher was just a fraction behind for second on Riccioni OI.
Faye Adams won the DDS Demolition 1.25m to take qualification for the Blue Chip Championships on Ebriolita, a seven-year-old mare by Eldorado Van De Zeshoek owned by Mandy Hall and ridden since April.
“She’s still inexperienced but I think she’s going to be special,” said Faye, who beat Chloe Winchester and Zandokan H to the top spot.
For full results, go to: Results - Senior British Showjumping Senior Show
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