William Fletcher & Persimmon scoop a win in the South of England Show leg of the International Stairway
Monday 11 June 2018
The fourth leg of this year’s International Stairway took place on Friday at South of England Show with William Fletcher taking home the title on board Graham Fletcher’s 12 year-old brown gelding, Persimmon.
As one of eight clears in the first round, 19 year-old William from Faringdon, Oxfordshire went on to display a keen eye for accuracy as they became the only combination to secure a double clear. Taking the time to ride clean lines over Bob Ellis’ technical course, William left all the fences standing and came through the finish line in 53.78 seconds.
Finishing in second place was Emma Slater riding Art D Usance, a 13 year-old bay gelding owned by Mark Haines. This pair finished in 49.49 seconds with 4 faults. Third was secured by Oliver Fletcher riding Hello Disckoboy D.N, a 10 year-old grey gelding owned by Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris. This pair had a pole down at the final fence of their jump off round to post a 4 fault score in 49.98 seconds.
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 three Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are allocated as well as it being where the sports National Champion is crowned.