Carron Nicol and Moonraker Rocket to First Place
Sunday 16 August 2015
The National 4 Year Old Championship Final provides the perfect platform to showcase quality young horses and potential stars of the future. Today, sixteen horse/rider combinations went forward into the final in the Grand Ring. Competitors and their horses were judged on observations including an even speed, responsiveness to rider and flexibility. Riders were then awarded points for presentation and jumping technique. From this the results were formulated, with the highest score winning the class.
Caroline Barnes had a successful first round with three of her horses, Sparko, She’s A Million and CSF Cruz Flamenco, qualifying in the top eight for the second round of this competition. The course was designed to test the young horses with their striding, reaction time in combinations and agility. Although only 8 out of the sixteen were able to qualify for the second round, this competition delivered a superb learning experience for all young horses involved.
Adam Botham and Galiandra led coming out of the first round with a total of 101 points. However, it was Carron Nicol and her British, homebred stallion Moonraker that claimed first place. This outcome was a fantastic result for British breeding and shows the high quality of young horses defending the placings on their own turf. Moonraker showed excellent jumping technique and ability coupled with a willing and relaxed temperament, and was worthy of a win with a total of 177 points.
This was only Moonraker’s second time competing on grass and, following a difficult first competition, had learnt from his experience before taking on the Grand Ring at the NAEC, Stoneleigh. Carron Nicol was delighted with Moonraker’s progress shown in today’s performance: “A little bit fresh in the first round, but he rode a lot better in the second round.”
The National 4 Year Old Championship proved a success, with horses such as Moonraker and Galiandra finding it a valuable and educational platform. From which to start their show jumping careers. This class is an essential part of ensuring future talent is developed and supported in order to fulfil their full potential.
Results
1st Carron Nicol and Moonraker
2nd Adam Botham and Galiandra
3rd Danny Dunne and Gibraltar 26
4th David Wingrove and Gossip S A
5th Caroline Barnes and Sparko
6th Caroline Barnes and She’s A Million
7th Sam Reddrop and Livea Van Het Dancorhof
8th Caroline Barnes and CSF Cruz Flamenco
Photo Credit: 1st Class Images
All British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show 2015 is hosted at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, Warwickshire during the 11th-16th August. For further information, please visit www.bsnationalchampionships.co.uk
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