Jake Myers Secures Ticket for UNIBED Winter Grades B&C Final
Tuesday 20 February 2024
The penultimate Winter Classic unfolded at South View Equestrian Centre over the weekend, drawing British Showjumping members into the arena as they aimed to secure their place in the final at the Agria Royal International Horse Show Hickstead later this year.
Competition was fierce, with 17 out of 27 starters clearing the first round, earning their place in the jump-off. Setting an impressive standard early on was Jake Myers, the sixth rider to enter the ring. Piloting Calcourt Qualvados with precision, Myers executed tight turns and capitalised on every opportunity, clocking in a winning time of 34.49 seconds.
Known affectionately as Alice at home, Calcourt Qualvados has been Jake's partner since she was six years old, and he was fourteen. After a year-long lease in Germany in 2023, the Winter Classic at South View marked their reunion show. Reflecting on their performance, Jake remarked, "I didn’t want to send her crazy fast because she hasn’t done that many rounds, I was just doing what I needed to set her up for Spain next week."
With a deep understanding of Alice's capabilities, Jake expressed confidence in their abilities, particularly in the jump-off. Despite stiff competition, including Ryan Page and BP Ko Jax who finished just 0.73 seconds behind, Jake's exceptional partnership with Alice secured their qualification.
Jake commented: “There were a lot of horses in the jump off, but I know Alice inside and out so I know what we can do. She loves a turn back and is quite a speedy horse as it is, so she is perfect for a jump off."
This isn't Jake's first time in the Winter Grades B&C Final at Hickstead, having finished third in 2021 with Sam W. However, Jake will no doubt be out to surpass his previous achievements and vie for the championship title this year.
Alongside Jake, Emma Sargeant and Maxima Z clinched the second qualification spot with an impressive double clear to take 3rd place behind Ryan Page and BP Ko Jax, who secured their place in the final at Hartpury earlier in the season.
South View Equestrian Centre, Saturday, 17 February 2024
UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
1st Jake Myers & Calcourt Qualvados – 0/0 – (34.49 seconds)
2nd Ryan Page & BP Ko Jax – 0/0 – (35.24 seconds)
3rd Emma Sargeant & Maxima Z – 0/0 – (36.33 seconds)
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image Credit: Phil Hillier / Landscape and Horses Photography
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