Equiyd National Amateur Second Rounds at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre
Monday 22 September 2025
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre played host to an exciting weekend of competition as the Equiyd National Amateur Second Rounds continued, with riders across the levels vying for their chance to qualify for Aintree.
In the 85cm, course designer Keith Bristow set a technical track that tested both accuracy and control. Seven combinations came forward, with five reaching the jump-off. Only two managed to secure a double clear, but it was Mia Stathopoulos riding Catherine Walton’s Mon Ami who clinched victory in a fast 36.98 seconds. Damen Funnell followed with the second double clear aboard Heart of Cicero in 47.40 seconds, while James Van Praagh and Sir Gallivant completed the podium with 4 faults in 36.99.
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre
Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Second Round
1st – Mia Stathopoulos & Mon Ami – 0/0 36.98
2nd – Damen Funnell & Heart of Cicero – 0/0 47.40
3rd – James Van Praagh & Sir Gallivant – 0/4 36.99
4th – Abi Whiteman & Keeford Sweetheart – 0/8 37.95
5th – Millie Plummer & Ballindine – 0/8 38.29
The 95cm saw 11 combinations tackle the course, with eight advancing to the jump-off. Three produced faultless rounds against the clock, and it was Abi Whiteman riding Emma Goldsmith’s Keeford Sweetheart who took top spot in 39.33 seconds. Just fractions behind, Sarah Hollett guided Farrington Hells Bells into second on 39.69, while Abigail Jupp and Ollivander I secured third with their double clear in 43.44.
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre
Equiyd 95cm National Amateur Second Round
1st – Abi Whiteman & Keeford Sweetheart – 0/0 39.33
2nd – Sarah Hollett & Farrington Hells Bells – 0/0 39.69
3rd – Abigail Jupp & Ollivander I – 0/0 43.44
4th – Sophie Charalambous & Ardaugh Lad – 0/4 42.31
5th – Jasmin Knox & Kosta Sunrise – 0/4 43.61
6th – Karla Skinner & Escort Z – 0/7 58.34
7th – Rowen Molly Bagwell & Checkmate – 0/8 40.97
8th – Emma Murrell & Indiana IX – 0/8 45.30
The competition in the 1.05m class proved equally thrilling, with seven combinations stepping up. Five went through to the jump-off, but it was Lydia Hugo and her own Mohill Frankie who rose to the occasion, taking the win with a double clear in 37.90 seconds. Fiona Osborne and Fridaynight Du Vlist followed closely behind in 38.36 for second, while Mia Stathopoulos returned to the podium with Mon Ami, producing a clear round in 40.78 for third place.
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre
Equiyd 1.05m National Amateur Second Round
1st – Lydia Hugo & Mohill Frankie – 0/0 37.90
2nd - Fiona Osborne & Fridaynight Du Vlist – 0/0 38.36
3rd – Mia Stathopoulos & Mon Ami – 0/0 40.78
4th – Katherin Brooks & Quanita 4 – 0/0 42.80
5th – Thomas Murrell & Longstone Bahrain Captain – 0/0 47.37
In the 1.10m, three combinations came forward to battle it out. Two made it into the jump-off, but faults came into play. Fiona Osborne and Fridaynight Du Vlist held their nerve to finish top with 4 faults in 44.64, ahead of Abigail Jupp and Ollivander I, who also picked up 4 faults but crossed the line in 53.23.
Golden Cross Equestrian Centre
Equiyd 1.10m National Amateur Second Round
1st – Fiona Osborne & Fridaynight Du Vlist – 0/4 44.64
2nd – Abigail Jupp & Ollivander I – 0/4 53.23
Golden Cross delivered an action-packed weekend showcasing both talent and determination across the levels, with riders now looking ahead to the next stage of the Equiyd National Amateur Second Rounds and the ultimate goal of competing at Aintree.
Images: PDG Photography
