Tabitha Continues Her Liverpool Success Story
Monday 31 December 2018
Tabitha Continues Her Liverpool Success Story
Tabitha Kyle added another title to her growing collection as the final day of the TheraPlateUK Liverpool International Horse Show got underway.
The Leicestershire-based rider, a Liverpool winner last year, took the 138cms Championship, sponsored by Powder Systems, in fine style.
Last to go of six combinations in the jump-off, Tabitha timed her run perfectly on the 15-year-old gelding Lissduff Royal.
European Pony Championship team gold medallist and individual bronze medal winner Claudia Moore looked to have done enough with the 20-year-old Sonas Barney, clocking 26.42 seconds, but Tabitha had other ideas, posting a time of 25.30.
Charlotte Bevan and Rathcoona James took third, with Tom Francis-Jones and Kiltormer Hero finishing fourth.
"It's amazing to win here," Tabitha said. "It was a bit pressurised. I knew the only time I could make up in the jump-off was to the last fence.
"The pony likes this place. He won last year as well. I can really trust him. When I move him forward, he will just go with me, and he turns really quickly.
"The people here are very encouraging, and I love coming to Liverpool, and we will certainly celebrate today."
The 128cms Championship, sponsored by Pony of the Year Show, went to Ireland's Senan Reape and 18-year-old Mickybo.
Ten combinations from 21 starters made the jump-off, and Senan delivered a classy round to emerge victorious, finishing more than a second clear of the field.
The 10-year-old, from County Sligo, clocked a time of 26.20 seconds, with Sophie Wicks and Camizion taking second spot in 27.12, and third going to Fergal Holohan with Harri Potter in 28.96.
"This is my first time at the Liverpool show, and it's a great show. I love it," Senan said.
"I was a bit nervous going into what was a very big class, but I have done a good few competitions with the pony since I got him earlier this year.
"I have been riding and competing since I was four, and it feels really good and very exciting to win here."
