Ben Walker claims the Winter Grand Prix at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre
Tuesday 07 January 2020
Ben Walker from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire made a short but rewarding trip to win Saturday’s Winter Grand Prix at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre in Rugby, Warwickshire. Riders fought hard for the title but victory was all Ben’s on board Emma Ziff’s impressive 10 year-old bay gelding, Fygo von d'Ouwe Grint.
David Coles’ testing thirteen fence first round track saw four combinations come through from the initial field of forty-six on a clean slate. The cream of the crop rose to the top during the jump-off with only three combinations producing double clears. Last to go in the jump-off, Ben took advantage of Fygo von d'Ouwe Grint’s natural quickness and agility producing turns tighter and more efficient than any combination before them and with a nail biting race against the clock they broke the finish beam in a time of 47.30 seconds.
Less than a second slower and taking second spot was the winner of the class last year, Jamie Wingrove who is based in Southam, Warwickshire. This time piloting Kirsty Keating’s super careful 9 year-old chestnut gelding Genesis HB, Jamie’s time looked unbeatable sailing through the finish line in a time of 47.69 seconds, only to be pipped to the post by the next competitor, Ben. With both riders well supported by the local crowd the atmosphere was electric.
The final double clear and third place was claimed by Nottinghamshire’s Jack Whitaker with his relatively new ride Cally V, a 12 year-old liver chestnut mare owned by his father Michael in 50.52 seconds.
Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre – Saturday 4th January 2020
Winter Grand Prix Results
1st Ben Walker & Fygo von d'Ouwe Grint – 0/0 – 47.30 seconds
2nd Jamie Wingrove & Genesis HB – 0/0 – 47.69 seconds
3rd Jack Whitaker & Cally V – 0/0 – 50.52 seconds
Image: Ben Walker & Fygo von d'Ouwe Grint in action in the Winter Grand Prix at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre
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