POYS success for Beth Vernon!
Thursday 26 April 2012
Multi-coloured lights, fantastic prizes from John Whitaker, Pro-Tector hats, Animo and tacklockers.com, and an abundance of Easter eggs made an entertaining and enjoyable four-day spectacular at new venue Bury Farm.
Beth Vernon, 16, repeated her amazing 2011 victory to retain her JA grand prix title and leading rider award with her European gold medal-winning partner Falaza.
“She’s amazing” said Beth, who wiped an incredible 3 seconds from Alex Chitty’s time on Amilie JR Z in a hot six-pony decider.
Just back from the Wellington, Florida tour, a sun-tanned Ben Maher gave an informative course-walk on Neil Theobold’s 12-fence JA track, which initially realised ten clears with six reaching the jump-off.
“It was testing, especially the final dog-leg line from the double of verticals to stile oxer – you had to be careful” said Beth, who was thrilled trainer Liane Smith was on hand to advise on the jump-off route – “She was a great help.”
2nd placed Alex received the Sheila Elstone trophy, awarded for the most-improved rider with good future prospects.
With eleven ponies through to the final jump-off, the Bilton Ward 138cm grand prix promised to be hot. But in the event, only two clears were produced.
Heeding the spectators’ verbal encouragement, fourth-drawn Faye Adams kicked on two from home to secure the title on Iouar Giorgio.
“I took all the options and it paid off, but he’s so honest and easy, he’ll go on any stride” said Halesowen, Midlands-based Faye.
The 11-year-old, outgrown by owner Amy Pritchard, joined Faye, 13, in October to be sold.
Taking 2nd with the only other treble clear, Graham Babes earned the leading rider award with Alfie III.
Lancaster based Drew Walton also retained her 2011 title, taking the Mandy Hall 128cm grand prix with the super-genuine Pringle.
“He’s faster than you think, and I can trust him at the tightest of turns” said Drew, 11, who angled the final POYS planks with super-cool flair.
There were determined challenges from Scarlett Charles, in 2nd and 3rd on Murka’s Flinor Songbird and Mathew’s Girl, and 4th placed Jodie Hall-McAteer, who claimed the leading rider award with My Little Sweetheart.
5th here, Robert Murphy, 11, topped the British Showjumping 128/138cm handicap special championship on 128cm Mintfield Starlight.
“This class was made for him, he’s green but is gaining confidence each show” said Robert, who has produced the 11-year-old, jointly owned with Alan Fazakerley, for the past three years.
Robert’s brother Michael, 9, rounded off a super show for the Murphy family with the British Showjumping style and performance title on Greenfield Chinook.
“He rode very well and produced beautifully balanced rounds” said judge Liane Smith.
Emily Ward added two more victories to the talented British-bred King Mac’s impressive tally – winning both the British Showjumping 148cm special final and Intermediate grand prix.
“He’s fast and super-careful” said Cheshire-based Emily, 12, who will now move the 7 year old Hickstead JC finalist up to top JA level, including the forthcoming European Trials at Wales and the West.
Harry Charles, 12, was declared Intermediate leading rider with Murka’s The Future, a 19-year-old who introduced him to 148cm level last year.
Emily almost made it a treble, but Erbees Corvette was denied JC grand prix victory by Demi Watson’s slick round on Bramblebrough Alan.
This consistent partnership, 2011 HOYs pony newcomers finalists and Hickstead JC contenders, also won a qualifying leg to take the leading rider award.
“He’s never fazed by anything, but seems to have grown up in the last six months” said Midlands-based Demi, 16, on the 6 year old bought twelve months ago.
Jared Lunn recorded his first major championship with the novice grand prix on Ballybaloo, an 8 year old bought eight months ago.
“He’s easy but needs plenty of work every day or he gets fresh” said Essex-based Jared, 13, who trains with Ricki Hill and relies on Mark McCourt’s advice at shows.
Millie Cronk outran all to head a lightning-pace Introductory grand prix with the mega-fast Vinnigan Finningan.
“We were too quick, I couldn’t take the turns, but he’s better at speed” said Millie, 12, who took over the Irish 10 year old from brother Thomas six months ago.
On her first POYS visit, Holly Grimwade, 10 – a British Showjumping member for just 12 months – posted her biggest win with the 11-year-old and under grand prix on Golden Friskey.
It was no mean feat, as forty from the sixty two starters tackled the hot, highly-entertaining jump-off.
“I got my turns in early and galloped to the last two because he covers the ground” said Essex-based Holly, who credited her win to trainer Rosie Holder.
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