Timothy Craggs and Chloe Thomas are victorious in the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Port Royal
Wednesday 28 May 2025
16s3l0yrqmjv4.jpg "Timothy Craggs and Chloe Thomas are victorious in the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Port Royal")
This weekend saw Port Royal Showground host a NAF Bronze and Silver League Championships Direct Qualifier, where riders continue their aim to secure a spot in the Final at Horse of the Year Show.
First up were riders contending the Bronze League qualifiers as a starting field of 39 took on Michael Bainbridge’s 1.05m course. Over half the field posted initial clears, these further reduced to 18 who would advance to the final jump-off. With the wind against them, riders persevered to try and secure a qualifying spot and with five returning a completely clean sheet, the results would be decided by the clock.
It was Timothy Craggs who topped the competitive jump-off with Lindsey Craggs’ Carrickadawson Candy, the pair crossing the finish in a time of 28.15 seconds. Close behind them, Nicole Greensmith and her own Billy Huckleberry finished in second place, just 2.40 seconds behind, whilst Louise Perry slotted her own Nalentia Blue into third place.
This is not the first time Tim has contested this final at Horse of the Year Show. Having bought the nine-year-old mare from James Adams Eventing, Tim has slowly brought her on through the ranks himself before the established pair took on the Bronze League Final in both their HOYS debut in 2024.
Port Royal EEC – Saturday, 24th May
NAF Five Star Bronze League Qualifier
1st – Timothy Craggs & Carrickadawson Candy – 0/0/0 28.18 seconds
2nd – Nicole Greensmith & Billy Huckleberry – 0/0/0 30.58 seconds
3rd – Louise Perry & Nalentia Blue – 0/0/0 34.77 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
With the Bronze League qualifier concluded, all eyes were on the Silver League riders, 31 of which stepped up to take on course designer Michael Bainbridge’s 1.15m track. Twelve combinations managed to jump clear through both the first and second round to advance to the jump-off, three successfully navigating their way to the all-important treble clear.
Seventeen-year-old Chloe Thomas dominated this class with Paul Thomas’ El Patron Z. Chloe skilfully guided he nine-year-old gelding around the shortened course in a time of 46.95 seconds, 3.35 seconds faster than Daniella Kenington who piloted Victoria Simpson’s S-Jadore to a second place finish. Sarah Jo Cumberland slotted into third place with her own Melbourne Sum Lass For One Lass, 4.85 seconds in arrears.
“Chloe has been working hard with Pat and bringing him on over the past two years and he has really started coming into his own recently,” comments Chloe’s dad, Paul.
Talking about her winning round, Chloe commented: “He jumped really well over the first two rounds, I just tried to give him a nice ride. When it got to the third round, my trainer – Emily Edgar – said I had nothing to lose so I went in with the aim of jumping a fast clear and wherever we finished I would be pleased. But I was really happy to get the win, he was very, very good.
“He’s a quiet horse at home but the show atmosphere really brings him to life. He’s level-headed, kind and just a really nice boy. We’ll take him to Hickstead in June and then possibly aim him at some foxhunter second rounds as well this summer, and hopefully make it to HOYS.
“I couldn’t do it without all the support behind me, especially from my sponsors CT Equine Collection,” added Chloe.
Port Royal EEC– Sunday, 25th May
NAF Five Star Silver League Qualifier
1st – Chloe Thomas & El Patron Z – 0/0/0 46.95 seconds
2nd – Daniella Kenington & S-Jadore – 0/0/0 50.30 seconds
3rd – Sarah Jo Cumberland & Melbourne Sum Lass For One Lass – 0/0/0 55.15 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Images: Port Royal Showground
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