Olympia, London Int'l Horse Show - Day 1
Wednesday 18 December 2013
In the first jumping class, the JJ Jumping Pony Club Mini Major at this years Olympia, the London International Horse Show, it was Great Britain dominating the top placings.
The winner was 12-year-old Amy Roberts, riding Billy Two Rivers whom had teamed up with Robert Whitaker riding Mandy Hall’s 12 year-old bay gelding UB One to win in a time of 20.39 seconds. In second place was Laura Renwick riding Marian Renwick and her husband's (John) 12year-old bay gelding Roller Coaster and her partner Ffion Roberts riding J's Phoenix who finished in a time of 21.88 seconds. In third was Will Funnell riding Billy Stud's 8 year-old chestnut stallion Billy Mexico partnering Morgann Bloquet riding Always Buzz Lightyear who finished in a time of 24.00 seconds.
In the first International jumping class of the week the 1.45m Christmas Santa Stakes, had Italy’s Luca Maria Moneta with the 16-year old gelding Jesus de la Commune take the top spot in a time of 50.59 seconds. He was 0.57 seconds faster than second-placed Peder Fredricson from Sweden on the 9 year-old grey gelding H & M Sibon. In third place was Holland's Jur Vrieling partnering 11 year-old bay mare Sissi Van Schuttershof. Fourth place went to GB's leading lady rider Laura Renwick with David Perry's 8 year-old chestnut stallion Louis d'Or D Aymon Z who jumped clear in 53.73 seconds.
The 1.50m Christmas Pudding Stakes fourteen riders made it through to the jump off, five of whom were riding under the Union Flag. It was USA rider Laura Kraut with Jubilee d'Ouilly however whom put in the winning round just 1.5 seconds faster than Germany’s Marco Kutscher riding Cash. Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker with his own 9 year-old grey mare Elie van de Kolmen finished in third and it was Laura Renwick whom finished fourth riding David Perry’s 11 year-old chestnut mare Oz de Breve.
With all jumping and competition finish for the evening and just prior to the Grand Finale taking place for the evening there was time for Great Britain's Team Pony Coach and former British Showjumping of the Year, Alan Fazakerly to be acknowledged. Alan was awarded the Ryans Son trophy by Clare Whitaker, an award which is given annually to a contributor whom has delievered greatly for the sport. This year it was Alan who oreceived the recognition as a result of the phenomenal medal haul that Great Britain have achieved within the pony ranks under his watchful eye.
Image: Trevor Meeks
