Georgia Tame heads the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship Qualifier at Olympia, The London International Horse Show
Friday 20 December 2019
Twenty-four talented combinations contested today’s Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship Qualifier and it was 22 year-old Georgia Tame from Horsham, West Sussex who came out on top in the impressive Olympia Grand Hall. Georgia was on board Quintella, an 11 year-old bay mare owned by Old Lodge.
Each and every one of the starting field had been invited to compete in this thrilling two round qualifier at Olympia, the London International Horse Show and they were all focused on achieving a top ten finish. Securing a place inside the top ten would ensure a coveted spot in the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship Final which will run on Sunday 22nd December at 6.00pm.
The twelve fence track set by Course Designer Alan Wade set a stiff challenge with just four able to find the key to jumping clear in the first round whilst six of the starters jumped for just four faults to give us the top ten overall. Those who jumped clear were invited back into the arena for the jump off and two went on to bag a double clear.
Following an impressive first round, Georgia showed off Quintella’s pace and scope in the jump off when the pair delivered a double clear in 32.21 seconds, a result that they will be hoping to emulate in Sunday’s Championship Final.
Sixteen year-old Oliver Fletcher from Faringdon, Oxfordshire was today’s runner up on Temple Rebus, a 12 year-old chestnut gelding owned by Graham Fletcher. They delivered the only other double clear in 35.37 seconds after two foot perfect performances.
Third place went to 20 year-old Charlie Jones from Lutterworth, Leicestershire who was first to go in both rounds on Dexter, an 11 year-old bay gelding owned by Ardencote Stud. The combination had just a single pole down in the jump off in 35.45 seconds.
The other representative in the jump off was 20 year-old Harry Charles from Alton, Hampshire on Valkiry de Zance, a 10 year-old chestnut gelding owned by Irina Abramovich. They also picked up four faults and jumped round in a time of 42.20 seconds.
The top ten from this qualifier now advance through to the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship Final which will run during the evening performance on Sunday 22nd December at 6.00pm. Faults will not be carried through from today, so each rider will start on a score of zero and riders will be jumping for the lion’s share of the £13,000 prize pot on offer. With a start height of 1.45m, the class runs over two rounds with the top five progressing through to the jump off before the eventual Champion is crowned.
In addition to the four horses and riders above, the following combinations have also qualified for Sunday – Jack Whitaker & Scenletha, Jodie Hall McAteer & Salt‘N Peppa, Millie Allen & Quinu de Pravia, Flo Norris & Con Pleasure 5, Scarlett Charles & Lordanos Junior and Jessica Mendoza & Dublin.
For the full results from today’s class, click here.
Image Credit: LewisHarding Photography
Voltaire Design:
Established in 2010 Voltaire Design has become the leading French manufacturer of high performance sports saddles. Handmade in France using the finest French leather, Voltaire Design saddles have become renowned for their innovation, comfort and the ability to fully customise each saddle to the horse and rider. Voltaire Design produce saddles for the forward thinking rider who demands style and substance, while prioritising freedom of movement for the horse, together with elegance, durability and customer service. Voltaire Design combine comfort and performance for the horse and rider, alongside innovative design to produce saddles that enable every rider to fulfil their potential. For further information, please visit http://voltairedesign.com.
