Harriet Biddick secures victory in the British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway at New Forest and Hampshire County
Saturday 29 July 2023
Harriet Biddick was on sizzling hot form at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show with Night of Glory OL and, just 24 hours after winning the Area Trial, the formidable pair claimed the top-billed International Stairway for the second year in a row.
“She loves an atmosphere and takes it all in and she’s a fighter – she’s not very big; I call her my little Ferrari as she’s small but mighty and very powerful,” said Harriet.
Nineteen competitors came forward over a 1.50m course on the superb green turf and five answered all the questions to post clear rounds and qualify for the jump-off. It promised to be a hard-fought finale as Mark Edwards – who already has three wins in the International Stairway series to his credit – claimed two of the rides.
But it was Yeovil, Somerset-based Harriet’s day. Keeping it smooth and tight over the raised and shortened track, she coolly guided the year-old Night of Glory OL into a fast, competitive target.
“I was second to go and knew I’d got Mark following me and he’s been ruling the county circuit this year, so I had to make him work hard and set the pace. But, I had to go clear and perhaps left the door open a little bit,” said Harriet. “My little mare has been in really good form; she loves the grass arenas and I love the county circuit, especially with a Stairway [in the schedule] like at New Forest and in front of the public.”
James Smith has hit a recent run of form with Juno Rose 23 – the pair have qualified for the HOYS Foxhunter final and won 3* and 2* 1.45m international classes in France in June – and chased hard but could only come within 1.34 seconds. Phoebe Farman, 17, put in a beautiful clear on Iniesta to lie in third, but the danger was still to come in the form of Mark Edwards. However, he faulted to drop down the order.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show – Wednesday, 26 July 2023
British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway
1st Harriet Biddick & Night of Glory OL – 0/0 - 40.32 seconds
2nd James Smith & Juno Rose 23 – 0/0 - 41.66 seconds
3rd Phoebe Farman & Iniesta II – 0/0 - 48.15 seconds
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.
The International Stairway, supported by the British Showjumping Partnership with funding from sponsors including Charles Owen, ClipMyHorse.TV, HorseQuest and Zebra Products.
Image: TopShots Photography
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