Laura Stephenson triumphs in the Winter Grand Prix at Morris Equestrian Centre
Wednesday 20 November 2019
Laura Stephenson from Keighley, West Yorkshire made the lengthy trip up to Scotland for the Winter Classic Show at Morris Equestrian Centre on Sunday well worth the drive when she topped the leaderboard in the Winter Grand Prix with David Stephenson’s Catherston Connor.
A strong field of thirty-six combinations from across the UK came forward to take on Rafael Suarez’s 1.40m first round track. The task Suarez had set proved to be a challenging one when only four managed to conquer the first round with a clear but the jump-off still amounted to nail-biting end as just 1.41 seconds separated the top three.
Laura Stephenson put good use to the experienced partnership she has with her mount Catherston Connor, a British bred grey gelding by Cevin Z. Despite being only 15.2hh, the 17 year-old, whom Laura has produced herself from British Novice, took every short route available and pinged to victory in 43.85 seconds relegating Keith Shore into second place with Nicholas Morgan’s Djoel.
Keith, who was fingertips away from a one-two, crossed the finish line in 44.48 seconds with his first ride and went on to steer his second ride Iron Lady Van’T Meulenhof into third with a time of 45.26 seconds. Graham Babes and Boucheron made up the fourth participant in the jump-off but decided to call it a day after faulting mid-way through the course.
Morris Equestrian Centre – Sunday 17th November 2019
Winter Grand Prix Results
1st Laura Stephenson & Catherston Connor – 0/0 – 43.85 seconds
2nd Keith Shore & Djoel – 0/0 – 44.48 seconds
3rd Keith Shore & Iron Lady Van’t Meulenhof – 0/0 – 45.26 seconds
Image: Laura Stephenson & Catherston Connor in the Winter Grand Prix at Morris Equestrian Centre [Credit: Equiscot Photography]
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