Jodie Hall-McAteer Claims Victory at Pony Showjumper of the Year at Bishop Burton
Wednesday 13 July 2016
Jodie Hall-McAteer claimed a commanding victory on the feisty but fabulous 18-year-old Tixylix in the Pony Showjumper of the Year. The win means they will again contend the championship final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at Birmingham’s NEC in October.
They were second in the final in 2013 and 2014 and took tenth last year. Tixylix has already been a winner at HOYS, taking the title with Jessica Mendoza – the reserve British team rider for the 2016 Rio Olympics – in 2010. Jodie is aiming to make her fourth attempt a winning one.
At Bishop Burton, their victory was no fluke. Forty-two hopeful combinations contended the first round, but only three produced round one clears to access the jump-off.
Sixteen year-old Jodie from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – 2015 European pony team gold and individual silver medallist – ensured her advantageous final draw was a winning one on the veteran chestnut mare Tixylix owned by Sarah Mendoza. She took the class with the only double clear, and underscored her talent by coming home with 7.40 seconds in hand.
Fifteen year-old Fraser Reed from St Andrews, Fife and Barrie Truelove’s 15-year-old mare Quilitymaes Z took second, but this pair had already taken qualification after winning at Bicton, and so the HOYS ticket was passed down the line.
Jodie Giles aged fifteen years from Calne, Wiltshire claimed third and a HOYS place on the Irish-bred 8-year-old gelding Flintstone B, the only other pair to reach the jump-off.
Posting the fastest four faults in the first round earned fifteen-year old Flora Castle from Salisbury Wiltshire and the 13-year-old dun mare Destavelars Misty a handsome reward. The pair took the final HOYS ticket on offer and registered their intent on competing in the prestigious final.
Bishop Burton Arena – Saturday 8th July 2016
Pony Showjumper of the Year Qualifier
1st Jodie Hall-McAteer & Tixylix – 0/0 - 35.99 seconds
2nd Fraser Reed & Quilitymaes Z – 0/4 - 43.39 seconds
3rd Jodie Giles & Flintstone B – 0/4 -46.41 seconds
4th Flora Castle & Destavelars Misty – 4 - 82.02 seconds
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.
Image - Jodie Hall-McAteer and Tixylix in action earlier this year.
The Horse of the Year Show 2016 will take place from the 5th – 9th October 2016 at Birmingham’s NEC.
