It’s U25 title number two for Bubby

by bramhamadmin | Jun 11, 2023 | Uncategorized

When Bramham was forced to cancel in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, all the classes moved to substitute venue Bicton and it was there Newmarket-based rider Bubby Upton took the U25 title – her first four-star win. However, she always had a yearning to compete at Bramham, so set her sights on contesting the U25s once again in her last year at the level.

Her chosen partner for her Bramham debut was The Zebedee Syndicate and Rachel Upton’s Magic Roundabout IV. They put in a supreme dressage performance to score a career-best 26.5, which gave them a 3.2 margin going into the cross-country over France’s Morgane Euriat riding Baccarat D Argonne. Saturday’s cross-country proved an influential affair, with just one rider going clear and inside the time – and that was Bubby with ‘Magic’.

Sunday dawned sunny and bright, with seven combinations remaining in the U25 section. Sadly, Max Warburton and Monbeg Exclusive were spun at the final horse inspection, but this is a combination who are certainly ones to watch in the future.  This left just six pairs to come forward and jump around Jason Abbs’ showjumping course.

Clear rounds were at premium but, overall, the top three remained the same as the overnight roster. Sasha Hargreaves and Woodlands Be Daring had two down, but retained their place on the podium, while Tom Bird – impressive yesterday with the grey Rebel Rhyme – conjured the only clear to stay on their two-day total of 39.8, keeping them in the runner-up spot. Bubby and Magic had the luxury of a 13.3 penalty cushion, but Tom’s clear round certainly put some added pressure on.

Bubby is a great rider over the coloured poles and Magic looked full of running after yesterday’s rigors, and they didn’t look like touching a fence until they breathed on the second fence of the double at 11 and the pole fell for four faults. They were clear the rest of the way to take the title and add a second U25 title to Bubby’s growing list of accolades – plus, it has confirmed her growing suspicions that Magic was a Burghley contender.

After the prize-giving and lap of honour, Bubby said: “He jumped fantastically. Obviously, being the competitive person, I was annoyed to have a rail, but I didn’t particularly feel like we could have done anything differently – it’s just one of those things. He tried so hard, so I’m absolutely thrilled with him to be honest. I can’t fault him, he’s given me his all this whole week. To win is obviously fantastic, but more important is the feeling he gave me in preparation for Burghley, which is really exciting for us all.

“Bicton was a huge win for me because it was my first at that level and on a horse that I never thought would compete at that level, so that victory was probably the most special of my career. The chat was that Magic should win here, so I felt a bit of pressure, and maybe then people expect it as opposed to the shock that it was in 2021, but of course it’s still unbelievably sweet to win any class and the horse deserved it so much the way he’s performed all week. The best test of his life, yesterday was such a buzz and the feeling round this track was pretty special, to be honest. I’m just pleased to have been able to get the job done,” she summed up.

Runners up Tom Bird and Rebel Rhyme have an amazing partnership – the sizeable Irish gelding was bought as Tom’s first horse off ponies, with the plan to do novice eventing. Four years later, they’ve just finished second in a four-star!

“He was just super,” said Tom. “He’s a big horse and struggles a bit in the showjumping sometimes, particularly on the third day. Today, he came in and was just so calm, it really felt like it might just be the day it all came together. I think he was the only clear in the class – I was just over the moon with him.

“Yesterday he just ate it up. Bramham is massive – it never feels easy – but he just cruised round. He was on it, on his lines. We walked the course, had a plan, stuck to it and it just worked. We used the hills at home to get fit because we came here last year and, in hindsight, he wasn’t really fit enough, so this year we got him fitter and he felt like a different horse. He finished really well, pulled up well and jumped the round of his life today. What a week, I’m so proud of him!” added a clearly delighted Tom.

Tom was quick to thank his team, who have made the week possible, those with him here and those who’ve stayed behind, and plus his trainers, Chris Bartle – “He’s been with me through thick and thin, it’s not always gone our way but he’s stood by me” – and Pammy Hutton, who has recently come on board to help with dressage.

Full-time equestrian Sasha was pleased with her time at Bramham. “It’s been an amazing week,” she said. “His dressage was really, really good, but our changes are definitely a work-in-progress, so we didn’t get them, but the rest of the work was great. Cross-country was slightly terrifying! Along with everyone, I didn’t have the best preparation, so I was very nervous, but he was unbelievable out there. It’s only our second four-star long – we did Blenheim, which didn’t quite go to plan. So it’s been nice to come here and put a few demons to bed – he was just unbelievable the whole way and made if feel like a walk in the park.  I think it really took it out of him a bit today, he was a bit flatter than I’d normally expect him to be, but he really tried his hardest.”

For full results, visit EventingScores

Milnes wins the day in tense DEFENDER CCI4*-S finale

by bramhamadmin | Jun 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

The final day of the DEFENDER CCI4*-S was an extraordinary rollercoaster ride, with the leaderboard changing dramatically over the two jumping phases. Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats, with the final result still unclear right up until the penultimate competitor.

First up was the showjumping, which started bright and early in the main arena to get the Saturday programme underway. Course designer Jason Abbs set the riders a flowing but technical track, where clear rounds proved to be at a premium. Both the leader, Tom McEwen with Fred and Penny Barker’s MHS Brown Jack, and the third-placed Ros Canter with Lady Milnes Coates and Deirdre Johnston’s MHS Seventeen, rolled a pole to drop down the order. However, Australia’s Bill Levett, who was sitting second overnight, expertly rode a clear with his own and Elisabeth Murdoch’s Sligo Candy Cane to take pole position going into the all-important final cross-country phase.

With the two sections of CCI-L 4* done and dusted by lunchtime, the park was opened to the short section riders and, after a few riders, it became clear that the time would play a significant role in the competition. The undulations of the park, the testing track set by Ian Stark and the hot conditions all needed careful management by riders as they tried to get the best from their horses.

The first combination to make a mark for others to follow was Katie Magee and the Jaguar Mail-sired Treworra. Their dressage of 35.8 left them in 23^rd position, but a single showjumping pole and a quick cross-country for 6.8 time gave them the early advantage.

The first of the challengers to the top spots was Ros and MHS Seventeen – their lowered pole may have put them off the podium, but they were still in with a chance of seizing it back. However, the horse is just a 10-year-old and this would be his first trip cross-country at four-star level. The pair started well, but then misjudged the B element of the Bramham Round House – a skinny on a bounce stride after a ha-ha step – and skipped past. Ros gathered up the gelding and they negotiated the long route successfully, but then had a further run-out at the Speedi-Beet Double towards the end of the course. Ros brought the gelding home safely, but their chances of a top placing were gone.

Shortly after, it was Tom McEwen’s opportunity to rise back up the rankings with MHS Brown Jack –  another young horse still learning his trade. Tom and Jack were another combination to fall victim to the skinny at fence 7B, but put in a great round from there on, which will give the horse confidence for the future but put them out of the running.

Nicola Wilson pupil Robyn Gray and Gelukkig, owned by Jan Ball, started the day in ninth thanks to a dressage of 34.2, but were one of the few combinations to go clear in the showjumping. They had a fantastic run through the park for just 9.2 time penalties, giving them a final total of 43.4 to take the lead at that stage.

Their time at the top was relatively short-lived, however, because experienced rider Selina Milnes entered the fray with William and Angela Rucker’s nine-year-old, Irish-bred Cooley Snapchat. They sat eighth after dressage and were faultless in the showjumping, so a speedy cross-country would put them in touching distance of the podium. They were one of the rounds of the day, cruising round the course and making it look easy. They gathered just 1.2 time penalties for a final score of 34.9, putting them atop the leaderboard.

The fifth-placed combination after dressage were Mollie Summerland and Paula Cloke, Mark Johns and her own Flow 7. They had an extremely unlucky pole in the showjumping, but Mollie set off across the country in determined mood. The nine-year-old only have two seasons of eventing runs under his inexperienced belt, but looked every bit at home on course with an impressive – and quick – round. They stopped the clock at 6:37, five seconds under the optimum time, making them the first duo to make the time, a feat which duly handed them the lead.

Zara Tindall put herself and the Gledhill House Stud’s Class Affair in good stead with a clear round in the jumping, to add nothing to their 33.3 dressage in what is their first competitive outing since contesting the Kentucky CCI5*. A stylish spin around Ian Stark’s course earned them just four time penalties and slotted them behind Mollie and Flow 7 on the leaderboard.

The two-phase leaders, Bill Levett and Sligo Candy Cane, were the next challengers, but the influential Bramham Round House would put pay to their chance of a win. A run-out at the skinny was followed by a second refusal while attempting the long route, and Bill raised his hand to call it a day, saving the youngster for another day.

Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy, who he owns with Andy and Miranda Rawlin, were down in 14^th place after the dressage and a pole down this morning dropped them a bit further down the order. However, the duo were most impressive across the country, answering every question on the course and cantering to the finish in an expertly judged 6.40 to complete on 38.8, which left them fifth at worst.

The final challenger for a podium place was Ireland’s Susie Berry and Killcandra Capitol, owned by TruckEast Ltd, and they headed out course as the penultimate combination on 35.1 They were travelling well, but had a glance-off at the corner in water at the Womble Bond Dickinson Pond. The plucky gelding attempted to jump it, but it was clear they hadn’t properly cleared the flags, so it was 20 penalties and Susie had to represent. Their chances were gone, but they did get home safe.

So, at the end of a long day of cross-country, the top 10 had a dramatic new look, with six new names joining the fray and the top accolade going to Selina Miles and Cooley Snapchat.

“Cooley Snapchat was super today,” said Selina. “I was a little disappointed with his dressage, but I think everybody was. He showjumped really well – I thought he might have gone a little bit green with the crowds to be honest, as he hasn’t done a lot, but he was super and jumped really, really well. On cross-country, he was just on it and so easy to ride – straight, not strong and he just keeps coming. I was a little bit worried about fence 7 – it was a serious question for a young horse, going into darkness, and I wasn’t sure how he’d react because he’s never seen anything like it in his life. He read it really well and just popped across.

“It’s brilliant to win here because it’s a big event and they [the organisers] make such an effort. I did come here thinking he could win, though,” she added with a rueful smile.

Mollie Summerland and Flow 7 took the runners up spot, while Zara Tindall completing the podium with Class Affair.

“This weekend was all about educating him,” said Mollie of her rounds. “I bought him unseen off the internet – I never tried him – and once again he continues to exceed expectations. He didn’t start eventing until he was seven, but he blows us away with his ability. He was totally fearless and I didn’t even think I was going fast – he just eats up the ground and it makes him such an exciting prospect for the future.”

Zara summarised her competition: “He [Class Affair] was good today. He jumped mega this morning – I wasn’t sure how he would deal with it because the cross-country was going on. Out on cross-country, he was good everywhere. He can be a bit of a monkey on occasions, so I wasted a bit of time at the beginning so that I didn’t light him up too early and I’d be able to turn him at the end. He was really good and I was really pleased with him – it shows why we love him when he’s good.”

Notable leaderboard movers also include Sophie Fouracre and Lordanna vh Leysehof Z, who started the day in 43^rd and ended in sixth. Hector Payne made a 20-place leap with Dynasty to finish seventh, and eventual ninth-placed Xanthe Goldsack with Hi Tech came from 34^th place.

The DEFENDER section was far from a dressage competition and proved an all-round test of horse and rider – their ability, stamina and partnership. Congratulations to Selina and Cooley Snapchat, who won through the day. This is a partnership we hope to be seeing much more of in years to come.

For full results – click here. Times & Results | Bramham (bramham-horse.co.uk)

CCI-L 4* sections shine on Super Saturday

by bramhamadmin | Jun 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

Cross-country day at Bramham is always a crowd-favourite, with people coming from near and far to enjoy a day packed with some of the best equestrian sport on offer. This year’s offering was made even better by cloudless blue skies, with a light breeze keeping temperatures at a pleasant level. With three sections of cross-country, plus showjumping for the CCI4*-S combinations, there was plenty of sporting action on offer to keep everyone entertained.

Funnell rolls back the clock to head the CCI4*-L

Bramham’s showpiece CCI-L 4* got Super Saturday underway as competitors tackled Ian Stark’s supreme cross-country course early this morning. Pathfinders Aaron Millar and Heidi Bates’ KEC Deakon set the tone with a copybook round to finish just 11 seconds over the time – the perfect example to settle the nerves of the riders watching on.

Second to go was Piggy March riding John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Cavalier Cruise. The pair were the early pace-setters on the first day of dressage, only to be overtaken by Izzy Taylor and Happy Days right at the close of day two. Finishing today an eventual sixth, the duo looked foot-perfect around Ian Stark’s cross-country test. Piggy is renowned for having an inbuilt stopwatch and it was functioning accurately today because they stopped the clock bang on the optimum time of 10.20 to add nothing to their dressage of 30.8 and set the early marker for the others.

Before long, it was the turn of Izzy and Happy Days to see if they stay ahead of Piggy and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise. The combination, who started at Badminton in May but encountered issues on cross-country, headed to Bramham in search of a confidence-giving round. They were travelling well and clear up until the Speedi-Beet Double at fence 19, when Alex Colquhoun, Caroline Wilson and Lavinia Taylor’s grey jumped the oxer under the tree with such power, he never locked on to the triple-brush skinny which followed on a downhill left-bending line. Izzy re-presented and jumped in the second time, but their chances of featuring well had been dashed.

It was then the turn of Pippa Funnell, who earlier in the week declared on social media that she first rode here in 1987! Since that debut, she’s gone on to take the Bramham top honours on three occasions, firstly in 1992, then ten years later in 2002 and most recently in 2010. She travelled north with a relatively new horse in Sarah Ross’s MCS Maverick, with the plan of simply learning more about her new charge. Therefore, no one was more surprised than Pippa when they found themselves in second spot after dressage. Today’s cross-country ride was an example of the mastery of this rider to partner an inexperienced horse in perfect balance and, in turn, give him confidence every step of the way. She never once pushed the rhythm beyond what was comfortable, yet still stopped the clock three seconds over the time to add 1.2 penalties to their dressage score of 29.3 for a two-phase total of 30.5 and a spot at the top of the leaderboard – a fitting birthday present for owner Sarah Ross.

It was heartbreak for dressage leaders Ros Canter and Izilot DHI – who won the CCI4*-S section here last year – when the notoriously sharp ‘Isaac’ took exception to the decorative ice creams at the Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Cones combination at fence three. The pair cleared the first fence with ease, but were caught by surprise by the wooden decorations as they made the sharp turn to the second element and suffered a run-out as Isaac spooked. Ros gathered up the 10-year-old gelding, who she co-owns with Alex Moody, and the rest of their round was without incident for an additional 16.8 time penalties – but the damage was done. They dropped out of the running to finish in eventual 26^th place.

The final combination who could trouble the leaders was Jesse Campbell for New Zealand with Gambesie. Third spot after dressage on a score of 29.4 meant the Kiwi could afford to be two seconds over the time and take second place from Piggy, but no more than that. Theirs was another copybook round for any aspiring rider to watch, and their trip through the four elements of the Womble Bond Dickinson Pond was immaculate. Heading home, the pair hit the penultimate Defender Challenge with 20 seconds left on the clock – it was going to be close. Gambesie just began to tire on the final pull up to the last, but his experienced jockey didn’t unduly push and they stopped the clock five seconds over time, which resulted in two penalties to give them a final Saturday tally of 31.4, allowing them to retain their spot on the podium.

A double clear inside the time promoted Harry Meade and Alexandra Robinson and Nigella Hall’s Red Kite up the order from ninth to fourth on a score of 32.4, while a great clear in the jumping combined with just eight added seconds out on cross-country meant Harry Mutch and HD Bronze, owned by Carole Mutch, retained their fifth spot ahead of tomorrow.

Tom McEwen is in sixth with Martin Belsham’s Luna Mist on 35. Harry Meade made another significant climb up the positions with his second ride in Cavalier Crystal, owned by long-time supporter Charlotte Opperman, with a jumping clear followed by 1.2 time penalties across the country promoting them from 18^th up to seventh. Impressive young rider Lizzie Baugh and the homebred sB Exclusive, who had the fantastic opportunity of being the guinea pig combination at Badminton in May, were a faultless combination today, adding nothing to a dressage score of 35.8 to rocket from 25^th to lie eighth. Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy also impressed, adding just 0.8 of a cross-country time penalty to their dressage to make a 12-place march up the roster, despite losing a shoe early on. Our first out on the course, Aaron Millar and KEC Deakon, round out the top 10.

Pippa explained: “I was half hoping to have a round like that. When I took on the horse, I said that if I didn’t feel happy, I wouldn’t continue, but I’ve had a few OI runs with him that I’ve really enjoyed. I had a super ride on him today. When I saw the water, I was a bit worried – we had a good spin around Bicton, but when I watched the video back he was spectacular because he’s so bold – so I had a plan and didn’t want to wrestle with him. I’d heard Piggy went long at the [Kidney Pond] water and made the time, so I knew it was doable. I knew I was sat on a galloper, but I don’t really know him so I made that call.

“If ever I’ve had one that gives you the feel that they can run around Badminton or Burghley, he’s one, which is why I quietly took him on – but he’s a project. He’s not there yet and has a lot of maturing and strengthening to do. I was absolutely delighted with his dressage, but it is proper mind games with him – but it’s all learning. It’s quite fun to be working on that caliber of project! We’ll see what happens tomorrow!”

It’s exceptionally tight at the top, with less than a fence separating the top five, so it’s all to play for tomorrow. However, that just makes for an exciting finale to Bramham 2023 – watch this space!

Bubby extends her lead in the U25s

In the Under-25 section, World Class Podium Potential rider Bubby Upton retained her lead in convincing style with The Zebedee Syndicate and Rachel Upton’s Magic Roundabout IV. They tackled the cross-country with great aplomb – the chestnut with a striking white blaze and socks is known as ‘Zebedee’  and certainly lives up to his springy namesake by making a great picture over the fences. Thanks to some last-minute advice from trainer Caroline Moore, their round proved to be faultless and they clicked the timing beam of at 10.10, ten seconds inside the time – the only combination to finish inside the optimum time in this section.

“He was amazing and I’m absolutely delighted with him,” said an ecstatic Bubby. “It was a big ask for him – people think he has lots of experience, but he’s only run twice since May last year because he was off after a freak accident in the field and then, after the spring we’ve had, he’s really lacked prep runs. I was confident in him, but at the same time I was a little bit uncertain how he’d cope – it’s my first Bramham and his first Bramham. He was phenomenal, he ate up the track and made it feel a lot of fun.

“He made it feel so smooth, I had to keep putting a check on myself – he just kept responding and there wasn’t a single moment he gave me anything to worry about. He did everything I asked and was full of running,” she finished.

Second place is now held by Tom Bird with Rebel Rhyme, owned by the rider and David Kerry. The duo lay seventh after dressage, but put up a bold cross-country performance, with the grey horse looking really at home over the Bramham terrain. They finished just two seconds over the optimum to add 0.8 to their dressage of 39.0.

Sasha Hargreaves now also features on the podium with her own and Billy and Alison Hargreaves’ Woodlands Be Daring, thanks to a coveted clear round with 10.8 time penalties to finish the first two phases on a total of 45.0.

Felicity Collins is in fourth with Vicky Collins and Avrina Milton’s Shadow Minnie Moon on 50.2, while Max Warburton and Rosemary Butler’s Monbeg Exclusive lie fifth after activating the pin at fence eight and clocking up 10.8 time penalties.

Providing the final horse inspection is successfully navigated, Bubby and Zebedee take a 13.3 penalty advantage into the final phase, but there’s no doubt that the six riders behind them will be determined to push all the way with the U25 title at stake.

There have been some changes to the Sunday timetable:

9:00–10:00 – Horse Inspection for both CCI4*-L sections
11.00 – U25 CCI4*-L showjumping
11.30 – U25 CCI4*-L prize-giving
12.15 – CCI4*-L showjumping
13.45 – CCI4*-L prize-giving
14.45 – Parade of hounds
15.45 – Wetherby Skips Grand Prix jumping

For full results and running order for Sunday, please visit Times & Results | Bramham (bramham-horse.co.uk)

Dressage complete in the Bramham sunshine

by bramhamadmin | Jun 9, 2023 | Uncategorized

In glorious conditions, Bramham’s second day of dressage provided visitors with an exciting display as the leaderboards across the three four-star competitions saw plenty of change between the white boards.

Canter holds the advantage in pursuit of Bramham double

In Bramham’s showcase CCI-L 4*, the first combination to make their mark was a familiar one – Pippa Funnell has made the journey north with just a single horse, Sarah Ross’ MCS Maverick, who’s a new ride for her in 2023. They’ve had a few good runs this spring, despite the wet weather, but Bramham will be the gelding’s toughest test to date – in Pippa’s words, “I will definitely know more about him at the end of the week!”. The super smart 10-year-old gave his rider plenty to be happy about by staying relaxed and attentive for the seven minutes of the test, and Pippa looked happy with the performance. As they exited the arena, the commentator delivered the score – a personal CCI4* best of 29.3, which was good enough to claim the lead.

Pippa held pole position until after lunch, when it was the turn of Ros Canter with last year’s CCI4*-S winner, Izilot DHI, owned by Alex Moody and Ros. All the credentials, coupled with Ros’ correct training and ability, means that Isaac has all the ability to shine between the white boards, but the 10-year-old is known for being very sharp. The Dutch-bred gelding was certainly on his toes today, but Ros expertly piloted him round, picking up good marks along with a few spooky interludes for a final score of 29.0, toppling Pippa and Maverick from the top spot.

“He really didn’t like the boards at A,” was Ros’ verdict on the test. “I don’t think it was the members area – it was the boards. My other horse was a bit the same yesterday, and I don’t know what it is because they have the same boards in the warm-up area, but when they get in there, they must seem to be different! It’s frustrating – it makes them a little difficult to ride – but we know the quality of work, so it’s just a matter of pulling it off on the day.

“On the whole, even though he was spooky, at other times when he’s been that spooky he’s struggled to do the test. He actually did the test, which is good, and the quality of work there is really exciting and there’s more to come. We’ve just got to keep exposing him to this environment – we know he’s capable, but we also know he’s a sharp and spooky horse, and these things are good for him.

“We’ve always wanted to bring him back here [to Bramham] – it’s a really good stamina test and he’s done one long four-star now at Boekelo, but he needs some good hills and a long course, a big course, so we know what we’ve got underneath us.”

The first rider in after the final break was Jesse Campbell for New Zealand with Gambesie, who he jointly owns with Sarah Moffatt. Their score of 29.4 slotted them in just behind Pippa, relegating yesterday’s leaders, Izzy Taylor and Happy Days, to fourth.

“He’s alright, he’s just got a bit of a personality!” laughed Jesse afterwards. “He’s got a good sense of humour, that one! He’s super-trainable, though, and he’s been to Aachen and stuff, so he’s seen atmosphere before – he’s cool, he’s fun.”

“I think all riders would say that if you can get 70 – 75 percent of the work you can do at home in the ring, that’s pretty good, and I was pretty close to that, so no complaints from me. His walk was a highlight – he’s got a really lovely walk. I’d like the judges to highlight that a little bit more, but it makes this test really easy to ride because there’s a lot of walk and you can really ride him in it, which is good.

And the Kiwi’s thoughts on the course? “I love the course. Ian always builds a great track, I’m really looking forward to getting out there and jumping it. They’re both really great jumpers, so I’m really looking forward to having a crack round there. I think all riders love Ian’s courses and we hope he keeps going with it. We’ve just got to go out there and do the course justice as riders, and do our best job,” he said.

Bubby and ‘Zebedee’ spring into the lead

In the other CCI4*-L, exclusively for riders under the age of 25, the pre-competition form book played out to expectation when Britain’s Bubby Upton – surprisingly, a Bramham debutant – got the judges reaching regularly for their seven and eight buttons thanks to a sparkling performance with the Zebedee Syndicate and Rachel Upton’s Magic Roundabout IV. They posted a 26.5, the lowest score of the day across all the sections, to topple last night’s leaders, Morgane Euriat and Baccarat D Argonne for France with a 3.2 penalty advantage.

Max Warburton came closest to challenging the top three with a score of 32.3 with Rosemary Butler’s Monbeg Exclusive, but it wasn’t quite enough to overtake our pathfinders from yesterday, Richard Coney and Mermus R Diamonds.

“I’m so chuffed!” said a delighted Bubby. “To be honest, he does not like dressage at all – he finds it so difficult. He’s not made for it in his conformation whatsoever, he’s very long in his back – but he just tried so hard. In the past, in big atmospheres, he’s just really worries, like Chatsworth last year, but he only worries because he’s trying so hard. When he can’t do something or he knows it’s not quite good enough, he just panics. Then, when he panics, he’s really difficult to ride. I just really took my time when I walked in, walked quite a few circles so he relaxed, and then I was cantering round the outside and I couldn’t believe how good he felt. He was amazing in there.”

She then explained: “It’s my first time at Bramham. I’ve obviously heard all about it over the years, and I walked the course and it’s everything that you ever hear – very big, very technical, very hilly, intense – but I’m so excited to get out there with him and give it a crack because, at the end of it, you know what horse you’ve got. Hopefully, we have a good spin.

“I was meant to come here two years ago for the U25 Championships, but it was moved to Bicton that year, then last year he was supposed to come here but had a freak accident in the field, which put him out for the year, which was gutting. He came from Piggy March’s yard and she always said he’s a Bramham and Burghley horse, so I’ve always had it in my head. He’s super blood, he really gallops, he really jumps, so I guess that’s why I’ve brought him here. The aim is Burghley, so I guess this is the best preparation you can have for Burghley, so that’s why we’re here.”

McEwen dominates in the DEFENDER CCI4*-S section

Olympic team gold and individual silver medallist Tom McEwen always gives 100% – he never rides any other way – and bright and early this morning was no different. First in with Fred and Penny Barker’s talented nine-year-old, MHS Brown Jack, Tom rode for every mark. The Irish-bred gelding was relaxed and attentive to his rider… it all looked good, very good. The final halt brought plenty of pats for Jack and a huge smile from the Gloucestershire-based rider. As they walked out on a long rein, the marks for the last few movements flashed on the huge digital board and it was clear that it was going to be a top score – the final tally of 28.7 rocketed Tom and Jack into first, with a commanding 3.9 penalty lead ahead of overnight leader Ros Canter with Lady Milnes Coates and Deirdre Johnston’s MHS Seventeen. The duo sat atop the leader board all day, with nobody able to better their score.

Experienced Aussie Bill Levett came closest to toppling them. Riding Sligo Candy Cane, who he jointly owns with Elisabeth Murdoch, Bill conjured a great round with a horse who was clearly relishing the challenge of Bramham’s main arena. Their final mark was 32.4, so not quite enough to overtake Tom and Jack, but just enough to squeak into second place ahead of Ros.

“There were no mistakes, which is imperative – you want to get a decent score,” was Bill assessment of the test. “I was worried about the atmosphere because there’s a big one up there with the members area, the wine glasses, people talking, and he’s a very sensitive horse. But, you know, we gave him the right amount of work and he was good, actually, so that was pleasing. I’ve had some good help from Ian Woodhead over the past few days and that’s always super-helpful. They’re marking very hard, I think they’re probably four or five marks higher than they usually would be, but it’s just pleasing to finish in a competitive place after the first phase.”

And on his plans for Saturday’s cross country test: “Tomorrow, I’m just going to see how he feels. He’s only a young horse and I’ve taken him quietly – I’ll go as quick as I can, but I won’t be silly. He’s a very easy horse in that he’s very light, he doesn’t pull or anything like that, so I should be travelling pretty well. He’s normally a good showjumper, so I’m hopefully going to run in a good place,” he explained.

There was a late challenge in the day from Kirsty Chabert on her final of her three homebreds in the section, Opposition Loire, owned John Johnston, Caroline Caines, Caroline Rees and Carole Somers. Their 33.0 left them just off the podium, but still in touch with the showjumping phase to come early tomorrow morning from 08:30.

At the close of today’s play, Tom reflected on his test and the challenge of tomorrow: “It seems a long time ago now – first thing in the morning, first on! Jack was brilliant. He pulled out a great test, really level, really fluent and what we’d call a clear round.

“It’s a really good course. He [Jack] came here last year for his first CCI4*-S because I believe that it’s really for horses coming up to come here – it’s bold, it’s attacking, it asks lots of questions. This year, it’s more technical than last year, but we’re taking it stage by stage, so hopefully a good showjumping round first and we’ll take it from there.

“He’s very placid, he’s lovely,” Tom said of the nine-year-old gelding’s character. “He’s quite large, so it’s taken him quite a while to mature physically and, actually, a bit of time mentally, too. He went to Le Lion as a six- and seven-year-old, and just with the new movements and things, he’s had to learn quite a bit and it’s taken a bit of time, but I think we’re getting there.”

The show jumping for the DEFENDER CCI4*-S in the main arena kicks off Super Saturday’s packed timetable at 08:30, while the first competitor in the CCI4*-L sets off on Ian Stark’s cross-country track in the park at 09:30.

For full start times and results, head over to: Eventing Scores

Bramham’s ‘Terrific Thursday’ gets 2023 off the mark

by bramhamadmin | Jun 8, 2023 | Uncategorized