DANIEL NEILSON LEADS THE WAY IN PORTO!
Sunday 13 December 2009
With some of the world’s best riders competing at the Concurso de Saltos Internacional show in Porto, it’s Britains youth that is shining through with two hard fought wins for 19-year old Daniel Neilson and a 3rd placing for 21-year old William Whitaker.
The first win of the day for Daniel was in the 1.35m Speed class with High Tone Z, the eye-catching grey owned by Graham Butt, in a class that saw seventy four starters competing for their share of the €5,000 at stake. With the top four final placings all being within 100’th of a second of each other, the competition was fierce and it was great to see not only a British win but also a Union Flag in 3rd place with 21-year old William Whitaker pulling in close behind him on his father’s 10-year old gelding Sarlino.
The main class of the evening was the Masters, again with a very strong field competing over the 1.50m course. With only six double clears having been achieved to contest the final jump-off, Britain were in the fortunate position of having two riders forward in the shape of Mark Armstrong and his own 13-year old mare Lavaletta II in addition to Daniel with Lynsey Cook’s 8-year old grey mare Iolanthe.
An unfortunate four-faults, meant a finish in 5th place for Mark leaving the hopes of a British win with Daniel. With only two clear rounds being produced in the jump-off it was Daniel that had the edge over Ireland's Jessica Kurten with her gelding Api Largo, securing the title and his share of the €15,000 on offer.
The 1.45m class on Sunday evening, again saw some incredible sport with 65 starters coming forward. Finishing third on Iolanthe, behind Michel Hecart and Daniel Ahlmann Daniel Neilson commented "This has been my first 4* show and it's just been an incredible few days. The horses are all going superbly and to take third place in such a strong class this evening really has been a step up the ladder for me. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my owners, without whom none of this would be achievable, they've trusted me with some great horses and I'm so pleased that they're now proving themselves at this level".
In 6th place, just behind Stephane Lafouge and Ulrich Kirchoff was British rider Mark Armstrong and his seven year old mare Caleta.
The 1.45m class on Sunday evening, again saw some incredible sport with 65 starters coming forward. Finishing third on Iolanthe, behind Michel Hecart and Daniel Ahlmann Daniel Neilson commented "This has been my first 4* show and it's just been an incredible few days. The horses are all going superbly and to take third place in such a strong class this evening really has been a step up the ladder for me. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my owners, without whom none of this would be achievable, they've trusted me with some great horses and I'm so pleased that they're now proving themselves at this level".
In 6th place, just behind Stephane Lafouge and Ulrich Kirchoff was British rider Mark Armstrong and his seven year old mare Caleta.
Full details and results can be found by visiting www.csiporto.com
1inbbkeu36fgo.jpg "Zara Nicholls Races to Top Spot in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at Weston Lawns")
.jpg "Marcella Johnstone and Will Brown Reach for the Stars in the second NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers")
7y6b55koibbj.jpg "Brian Thompson and Alex Hewett are winners in the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Rounds")
