Rachel Hall makes a winning return to HOYS 36 years after her last victory to take the NAF Five Star Bronze League title
Wednesday 04 October 2023
.jpg "Rachel Hall makes a winning return to HOYS 36 years after her last victory to take the NAF Five Star Bronze League title")
Rachel Hall (nee Edmunds) last made an appearance at Horse of the Year Show – then at Wembley arena – in 1987 when she won the Pony Foxhunter title on her coloured pony Arapaho. This year, she bested her 13 rivals to land the NAF Five Star Bronze League Final on Renkum Balousina.
“It’s the most amazing experience to ride through those curtains into the arena, it’s what it’s all about, everyone wants to ride at HOYS, but to go in and do well is beyond dreams,” said Rachel, who is based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Rachel took a 20-year break from competing when family life and two daughters took over, but started riding and competing again when her elder daughter went to University and Balousina was left at home.
“We didn’t want to sell her, she has such a lovely personality, she’s more like a dog,” said Rachel.
Five of the 14 competitors cleanly negotiated the 12-fence 1.10m course to make their way into the jump-off with Jassy Pyke setting a competitive target in the opening round on Bon Amego.
Two horses later, Rachel found slightly tighter lines and risked taking out a stride with a gallop to the last to seize the title by 0.35 seconds.
“I tried to keep steady to get the turns in and took a flyer to the last,” said Rachel.
The Baloubet Junior Z x Lauriston 9-year-old mare – British-bred at Renkum Stud – was purchased as a just broken 4-year-old from friend Margaret Tyers of English Bridles and a gift given on their qualification may well be considered as ‘lucky tack’.
“Margaret was so excited we qualified for HOYS she gave me a bridle, girth and stirrup leathers,” said Rachel, who endured a heart-stopping moment before Balousina had gone through the start in round one.
“She is quite spooky, even hacking, and spooked at the flowers. I was here early for familiarisation in the arena but there weren’t any flowers out then but once she jumped the first fence, she was fine, going forward and focused. I’m very pleased, she jumped super.”
The Amateur and Veterans Championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre and Racecourse is now the focus.
“I’ve been before but it will be her [Balousina] first visit and I’m really looking forward to it as my younger daughter Ella will be riding there as well, and then Balousina will have a well-deserved break,” said Rachel.
Delighted HOYS debutante Jassy Pyke had to settle for second place on Bon Amego with Leah Lynch filling third place on Midnight Time.
HOYS, NEC, Birmingham – Wednesday, 4 October, 2023
NAF FIVE Star Bronze League Final
1st Rachel Hall & Renkum Balousina – 0/0 - 32.59 seconds
2nd Jassy Pyke & Bon Amego – 0/0 - 32.94 seconds
3rd Leah Lynch & Midnight Time – 0/0 - 34.49 seconds
Image: 1st Class Images
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