Aisling Byrne drives to victory at Liverpool
Saturday 02 January 2016
Aisling Byrne had a day to remember at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show after driving herself to victory in more ways than one.
Not only did the Irish rider from County Westmeath land the 1.30 metre amateur jump-off class, sponsored by Irish Horse Gateway, she also won a Mini car as the leading points-scorer across two days of competition in section A.
Just four combinations made it through to the jump-off, and Byrne, riding Wellview Classic Dream, was the only challenger to keep all the fences up for a second time.
Four-faulters Lucinda Roche (WCE Falco) and Reece Oliver (Eagles Costalot) finished second and third, respectively, with Benjamin Raistrick taking fourth place on Benevita.
"It was a great crowd, and I enjoyed it tremendously in there," Byrne said. "I have never jumped at a show as nice as this one, with the atmosphere. It is fantastic. The horse coped brilliantly, and it is certainly not every day you win a car!
"It was a proper testing course, which was reflected by the amount of clear rounds. They are good horses and good riders, who are well used to competing at this level. To only have four clears just showed how tough it was.
"My horse is very honest and trusts me, and I knew that if I had to make some turns, I could do it with her. She is deceptively quick across the ground, and she is very careful."
The 1.20 metre amateur speed class, sponsored by Aggreko, went to 12-year-old Angel Tough on Varuni Z, a nine-year-old mare owned by her grandfather.
Manchester-based Tough made the most of a late draw, slicing almost a second off the time of Molly Andrews and Wilando B, while Isabelle George and Douce de Roulard finished third.
"I thought it was going to be hard to get the time, but it helped having a late draw," she said.
"I have been to five or six shows. She is my grandad's horse and he has let me have it. I have been riding her for three months, and we've won more than £500 in that time.
"She's a really friendly horse and likes to do things with you. She is always happy."
And Ireland's Richard Howley made a winning start to day two on a horse he described as "a phenomenal jumper."
Many of Britain and Ireland's leading under-25 riders have gathered in Liverpool for the weekend, with Sunday's grand prix set to be a thrilling competition.
Saturday, though, saw a field of 26 contest a 1.45 metre two-phase class, sponsored by Gatehouse, and it was Howley who came out on top with Clane K, edging the established pairing of Kerry Brennan and Wellington M into second place, with Pippa Allen and Hope Springs third.
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