Julie Andrews and Wilando B have a need for speed as they jump one step closer to HOYS
Saturday 15 August 2015
Tonight the Andrews Bowen Indoor Arena hosted the second leg of the HOYS Wildcard series and after the thrill of last nights competition the atmosphere was electric. This second leg was a speed round and for spectators who had a need for speed this class did not disappoint.
The stakes were high with the winner being awarded 15 points towards the Wild Card series culminating tomorrow with the greatly anticipated International Stairway League Final, carrying with it 3 tickets to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
The riders jumped in reverse order of standing from last nights results. The class moved along swiftly with each rider chasing the clock in order to secure the winning round. As the class drew towards a close the crowd grew excited awaiting the leading riders.
After the impressive display last night the expectations were high. Julie Andrews put in a spectacular round on Wilando B, flying around the course and keeping up all the rails to finish on a time of 72.39.
As each rider tackled the course it became increasingly unlikely that anyone would catch Julie. All eyes were glued to the arena when the final rider and last nights impressive winner, Max Routledge riding Carus Royale, entered the arena.
Max and Carus Royale had already proved they were a force to be reckoned with when it comes to speed after one of the most impressive rounds of the Championships last night. Max’s round started off promising however after 3 rails he was out of contention for top spot. It was Julie Andrews who held the lead to earn her the all important 15 Wild Card Series points.
Course designer, Steve Williams, said he has really liked building in a new venue and has enjoyed the week so far. Williams said he “really tried to find a striking balance between strength and speed, keeping the competition alive as it does not favour one type of horse. Parts of the course challenge the ability of the horse to react to change, i.e. quad line down the diagonal”
Julie was thrilled with the win and taking a step closer to claiming the HOYS Wild Card. Although the British Showjumping National Championships are being held at the NAEC, Stoneleigh for the first time Julie has jumped at this venue before. She jumped in the Grand Ring when she rode ponies in the early 80’s, adding a feel of nostalgia to tonight’s win saying the show has been “absolutely lovely”.
Julie is very excited about the final round tomorrow which will take place in the Grand Ring, she said “they are experienced horses and I actually think it won’t do them any harm to go back outside”. Julie has been riding the talented Wilando B for 2 years and says he “loves his job and he wouldn’t do anything else, he certainly wouldn’t do Dressage” she joked.
Results
1st Julie Andrews and Wilando B
2nd Matthew Sampson and Eagles Costalot
3rd Anna Edwards and Blazer B
4th Louise Saywell and Mr Darcy
5th Joe Davison and Vennoot II
6th Jay Halim and Goodmans For Fun
7th Jonathan Buxton and High Offley Arturos Catcg
8th Carron Nicol and Mr Visto
9th Joe Davison and Calimero Vant Roth
Photo Credit: 1st Class Images
All British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show 2015 is hosted at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, Warwickshire during the 11th-16th August. For further information, please visit www.bsnationalchampionships.co.uk
