Ponies take centre stage in the Junior National Club Championship Finals

Tuesday 07 August 2018

On day one of the British Showjumping National Championships 2018, the Porsche Centre Solihull Championship Arena 2  played host to the Junior National Club Championship Finals, across four height categories; 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1.00m.

Up first and being the first Champion to be crowned in the Porsche Centre Solihull Championship Arena 2, was the 70cm Championship Final. Out of 15 starters there were seven who went clear and the winner in the fastest time was Fallon Howell riding Marlow Setanta. Having competed here last year in the same class and being placed fifth, Fallon was delighted to have taken the title: “I hadn’t had him long when we qualified last year so we were still getting to know each other. Now we have had more time to gel I think it has made all of the difference.” Fallon’s family travelled to the Show from Bedfordshire to show their support and expressed their delight in her win: “We are very happy and very proud parents.”

Taking the win in the 80cm Championship Final was Caitlin Wornham riding Ballylee Boy, a 10 year old bay gelding. With just four riders going clear out of 12 starters there was no room for error in the jump-off. Ballylee Boy, known as Connor at home, put on two text book rounds to go double clear and to take that sought after Championship title. Caitlin, who is a keen member of East Herts Pony Club, has had a busy couple of weeks as she had Pony Club camp on the days running up to the Championships, meaning her mum had to pick her up from Pony Club on route to Stoneleigh. “We had quite a long drive but it has definitely been worth it. I competed here last year on a different pony but I took over the ride of Connor from my sister about a year ago and we have had a really good season. Making it a double win for the combination, Caitlin Wornham riding Ballylee Boy also went on to take the 90cm Championship Final with another double clear: “I can’t wait to contest the 1.00m class with him next year!” Caitlin exclaimed.

In the 1.00m Championship Final the glory was that of Aoife Rew with Drishoge Lotto who were the reigning champions having won the same class here last year. With just two starters in the class, both riders went clear so it all came down to the jump off. Lilli Fiddes riding Miradays Luigi was first in the jump off but when she picked up an unfortunate four faults after knocking down the first fence, Aoife knew she had to jump clear to take the win. Navigating her way around the course, she knew she had won the moment she landed after the final fence: “I can’t believe we have done it again! I had four faults earlier in the 80cm final with my other mare Lively Lucy and then we were second in the 90cm. Then with Lotto we picked up four faults in the 90cm so I was just praying she went clear in the 1.00m, which she did so I am really pleased with her.”

The British Showjumping Club Leagues provide Club Members with the opportunity to not only focus on heading their regional league table within their chosen height category, but to also qualify for their respective Championship with the goal of claiming a National Championship title at the British Showjumping National Championships.

It is not only competitors who are guaranteed a fabulous day out, the British Showjumping National Championships also offers a great family day of exciting competition, hospitality and afternoon tea offerings and a retail shopping village. Entry for spectators wishing to take advantage of this fantastic show is free and parking is only £5 per car. For more information please go to http://www.bsnationalchampionships.com/  or call 02476 858205.

Image Credit: 1st Class Images

 
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