Sienna Charles is unbeatable in the five-star 1.50m in Brussels
Saturday 26 August 2023
Sienna Charles jumped to the top in the 5* 1.50m with Valkiry De Zance at the Stephex Brussels Masters in Belgium.
Fifty-five competitors came forward in this speed class but Sienna claimed an early lead and held on desite several challenges. She outpaced the lot on the Diamant De Semilly/Double Espoir 14-year-old to win by 1.56 sec, beating The USA’s Laura Kraut and Confu into second.
“During the course walk, I thought the course looked quite challenging. In the first half, I tried to keep it as tight as I could, taking as few strides as possible. In the second half, I rode more cautiously, adding an extra stride. After finishing without faults, I kept checking the starting list to see who was left to compete. And they were all outstanding riders! I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Earlier, I found myself walking the course alongside my idols, the riders I’ve admired since childhood. Competing against them is just surreal. After winning tonight, warming up with them might feel slightly less intimidating (laughs).”
It was Sienna's second 5* win: “Last week, I clinched a win with Valkiry in Dublin. This is his first time back in the ring. Winning back-to-back just proves to how amazing a horse he is.”
The youngest sibling of three of a successful showjumping family, Sienna is committed to diligently working in the family business and gradually climbing up the rankings: “My brother Harry gives me a lot of advice. I took his tips to heart today, and it paid off. My sister Scarlett is also competing at the Brussels Stephex Masters. We absolutely love it here. The presentation felt straight out of a movie!”
Sienna also guided Chawton into fourth in the 5* 1.45m two-phase. Forty-one riders contended this class with Sienna and the Typhoon S nine-year-old finishing 1.35 sec behind the winner, Ireland’s Tom Wachman on Cathalina S – a Catoki 14-year-old produced in Britain by Alex Thompson.
Image: Brussels Stephex Masters
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