Sarah Mackmin secures victory in the NAF Five Star Summer Silver League qualifier with Comme Il Joy at Felbridge Showground
Monday 15 May 2023
.JPG "Sarah Mackmin secures victory in the NAF Five Star Summer Silver League qualifier with Comme Il Joy at Felbridge Showground")
Sarah Mackmin outpaced all her rivals to take the top spot in the NAF Five Star Summer Silver League qualifier on Comme Il Joy at Felbridge Showground.
Forty-four riders originally chased after the three semi-final places on offer over course-designer John Bedford’s 13-fence 1.15m course with 27 competitors providing initial clears, these almost halved to take 14 through to the final jump-off.
Sarah forged ahead on the 13-year-old grey mare Comme Il Joy (Comme Il Faut x Continus Grannus) to win with 0.80 seconds to spare. Karla Skinner piloted Emerald Rain into second and Samantha Baker eased Billy Scarlett into third.
Sarah bought Joy six years ago.
“She was at my friend’s stables and she was always my favourite. I ‘stole’ her one day and fell in love with her, but it was two whole years before the opportunity to buy her came up and I jumped at the chance,” said Sarah.
“She’s friendly in all ways and a permanent fixture in my life now. She lives up to her name, she’s my pride and joy. She isn’t one for going in the school every day, we do a lot of hacking or box up and go for beach rides in Norfolk for the day but she really comes alive in the ring.”
Sarah is hoping this year is her year to qualify for HOYS.
“I missed out by one several times when riding ponies but I’ve put so much work into it this year; HOYS is my ultimate aim,” she said.
Felbridge Showground – Sunday, 14 May 2023
NAF Five Star Summer Silver League qualifier
1st Sarah Jane Mackmin & Comme Il Joy – 0/0/0 - 34.73 seconds
2nd Karla Skinner & Emerald Rain – 0/0/0 - 35.53 seconds
3rd Samantha Baker & Billy Scarlett – 0/0/0 - 37.24 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Felbridge Photography
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