British Junior Team Win Bronze European Championship Medal
Friday 29 July 2016
Earlier this afternoon, the British Showjumping Junior team bagged a Bronze medal following a thrilling three way jump off at the Children, Junior and Young Rider European Championships at Millstreet in Ireland.
During a morning of strong competition, the British quartet produced some solid performances to finish round one on a score of 4 faults. This result saw them tied for position with Belgium and France and the three nations sat just one fence behind the leaders Denmark, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden who had all managed to secure a zero fault score. With all nations vying for the three medals on offer, an exciting second round ensued and as poles fell, the order of the results changed.
Leonie Aitkenhead (18 years) from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire was chosen as the team pathfinder on board Clane K, a 9 year-old bay mare owned by Beverley Aitkenhead. Leonie and Clane K set the team up brilliantly when they delivered two superb clear rounds to leave themselves on zero penalties.
Scarlett Charles (aged 15) from Alton, Hampshire featured next for Great Britain with Sacree Du Rouet, a 10 year-old bay mare owned by Peter Charles MBE. The pair picked up 8 faults in round one which was also the drop score and they then went on deliver an improved performance for 4 faults in round two.
Emily Ward (aged 15) from Neston, Cheshire was the third Brit in and she rode Remi Cavalleri, a 10 year-old bay mare owned by Anne Bedford. Emily and Remi Cavalleri lowered a pole in the first round for 4 faults and they were unlucky to then collect 8 faults in round two, a result which saw them become the drop score.
Harry Charles (aged 17) from Alton, Hampshire was anchorman for the team and he knew that only double clear would do. Harry duly delivered this result with Controe, a 9 year-old bay gelding owned by Peter Charles MBE.
Great Britain’s strong performances in round two saw them secure a medal, but a thrilling jump off against Belgium and Italy was required in order to decide what colour that medal would be.
Jump Off
Leonie and Clane K were in first for Great Britain and they returned with an 8 fault score, a result that was mirrored by the third and fourth riders, Emily Ward and Harry Charles who competed on Remi Cavalleri and Controe respectively. Scarlett Charles and Sacree Du Rouet delivered a brilliant clear in the jump off and Britain finished on a total of 16 faults in 103.15 seconds in a hotly contested round. This result saw them take the Bronze medal. Belgium went on become the eventual winners with 8 faults in 101.71 seconds, whilst Italy took the Silver medal position with 8 faults in 105.85 seconds.
The individual medals for Juniors will be contested on Sunday and Leonie Aitkenhead sits in a great position ahead of the days competition.
Sienna Charles, Lily Freeman-Atwood and Oliver Fletcher all look to be in a strong position going into the Individual stage. The Junior and Young Rider team medals will be decided tomorrow with their Individual medals being contested on Sunday.
Team Results:
GOLD – Belgium – 4/4/8 – 101.71 seconds
SILVER – ITALY – 0/8/8 – 105.85 seconds
BRONZE – GREAT BRITAIN – 4/4/16 – 103.15 seconds
Further information on the show and full results can be found by visiting www.millstreet.horse/eu2016.
British Showjumping would like to thank their consortium of Business Partners who assist support the Youth Squads.
The British Jumping teams are also supported by the Equestrian World Class Programme. The programme, which encompasses both Podium and Podium Potential squads, focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal winning performances on the world stage. The Programme has been funded by the National Lottery via UK Sport since 1998 and is a portfolio within the British Equestrian Federation.
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