Adrian Speight Takes the Win In The International Stairway League at Suffolk County
Friday 31 May 2024
At Suffolk County Show, Adrian Speight denied Mark Edwards a second successive International Stairway League victory and set his sights on achieving back-to-back National Championship Titles.
“It was a good show, Suffolk is one of those County Shows that really stands out, they go to town on it,” said Adrian.
Nineteen combinations took on the 1.50m course, with five advancing to the jump off, Mark and Adrian both moving forward with a clear round each. Once again with three rides in the jump-off, it looked like the on-form Mark Edwards would be the one to beat. However, despite crossing the finish line in a quicker time, each of his mounts tapped out a pole, and it would be Adrian Speight who took the victory with the only double clear of the class with Judith Witham’s Millfield Baloney.
“The class was very technical from the off, and it definitely seemed big enough, they never let you have an easy one,” said Adrian. “There was a good strong field, in terms of number and riders, especially as in previous years it had eased off a bit. There was the added pressure of Mark [Edwards] who had two on four faults and was quicker than me, so I had to be careful, but it worked out didn’t it.”
Talking about his long-term partner, Adrian commented: “He’s 18 this year but is daft as a brush and gets more daft and spookier as he gets older. He goes all funny with the Shire Horses that we often see at County Shows.
“I don’t think too much of his age, he does better the more he does, and especially the last five years, he’s been incredible. I hope he keeps going until he’s 30, he will take some replacing. I’m lucky to have him,” added Adrian.
Mark Edwards filled 2nd – 4th place with his three rides, Flying Tinker II, Royale Tale and Dillinger NE, whilst Gemma Ellison once also showed her form to take 5th with Cynthia Flint.
The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows where winning combinations accrue league points that count towards the Final which takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park. The series culminates with a high-profile championship where, not only is the National Champion crowned, but three Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are up for grabs.
The International Stairway Series is supported by the British Showjumping Business Partnership, which includes partners ClipMyHorse.TV, Charles Owen, and HorseQuest.
Find the full International Stairway league here: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/International-Stairway-Series. The next International Stairway competition takes place at South of England Show from 7th – 9th June.
Suffolk County Show – Thursday, 30 May 2024
International Stairway Series
1st – Adrian Speight and Millfield Baloney – 0/0 45.95
2nd – Mark Edwards and Flying Tinker II – 4/0 42.20
3rd – Mark Edwards and Royale Tale – 0/4 45.12
4th – Mark Edwards and Dillinger NE – 4/4 47.75
5th – Gemma Ellison and Cynthia Flint – 4/8 45.15
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results.
Image credit: Real Time Imaging
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