Simon Buckley on flying form at the Royal Highland Show after win in the International Stairway
Tuesday 22 June 2021
The second leg of the 2021 International Stairway series headed North to The Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh last week and there was no stopping Simon Buckley from Kendal in Cumbria who clinched first place in Friday’s tough class.
Four out of the top five combinations that went through to the jump-off produced a clear round over course designer Mark McGowan’s technical first round track. The jump-off through up some questions leaving that allusive double clear just out of reach for all the riders. Jumping the fastest round by far on-board Elia, a 12-year-old bay gelding owned by Johanna Buckley, Simon crossed the finish line in 55.05 seconds with four faults to take the top spot.
Second place went to Adrian Speight riding Judith Whitham’s Millfield Baloney who posted a time of 57.94 seconds after picking up four faults at the 4th fence. Stephen Lohoar took third place with a four-fault round with his own Delius. Fourth place went to Harry Wainwright and Pinheiro Beech who finish with eight faults and Mark Edwards took fifth place jumping Martyn Edwards’ Montreuxs Tale.
The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows where winning combinations accrue League Points that count towards the Final which takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park. The series culminates with a high profile championships where four Horse of the Year Show International invitations are allocated as well as being where the sports National Champion is crowned.
The International Stairway, supported by the British Showjumping Partnership with funding from sponsors including Charles Owen, KBIS Insurance, NAF and Zebra Products.
For the full results click here
For the International Stairway League so far click here.
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Simon Buckley & Elia in the International Stairway at The Royal Highland Showcase (Credit: Sinclair Photography www.sinclairphotography.co.uk )