Adrian Puts Up a Cool Performance in Seven-year-old Championships
Sunday 18 August 2019
Twenty made it through to the jump-off in the Equitop GLME Seven-year-old Championships with competitors eager to gain a place at Lanaken next month.
Riding ‘the best young horse I have ever had’ Adrian Whiteway and the big jumping Cooley Network continued their clear round form at the Equitop Bolesworth Young Horse Championships to head the coveted class.
Bristol-based Adrian has competed at the FEI World Young Horse Breeding Championships a number of times and is hoping for a wildcard place on the chestnut gelding.
Owned by event rider, Selina Milnes and known as Scooby at home, Cooley Network is by Boswell Mr Heartbreaker and has been ridden by Adrian for two years.
Said Adrian: “We have qualified for the Grade C at HOYS and I really think a lot about him. This show was one of our aims for the season and I am delighted the plan has come off.
“He has been clear all week and is very talented, although can also be difficult. I always know if he is fresh he will probably go his best. I thought there would be more clears in the jump-off but the course took some jumping.
“As I turned back to fence three I realised I was a bit off but he just picked up and found it easy.”
Finishing in second place was Irishman Ian Fives, clear in 40.50 seconds on Horinde H with third going to Simon Crippen and Premier Titanium.
The Equitop Bolesworth Young Horse Championships is featuring 4, 5, 6 & 7-year-old age classes, incorporating qualifiers for the FEI World Young Horse Breeding Championships in Lanaken, held in September.
The best British bred horse and rider heading to Lanaken was William Rekert and Hot Bluebird.
Picture Caption: Liz Barrett of Equitop GLME presents Adrian with his award.
