Great Britain takes third in the Young Riders Nations Cup in Compiegne
Wednesday 03 May 2023
Great Britain’s Young Riders team made their Nations Cup debut in Compiegne, France, to claim a creditable third place.
Eight nations came forward to contend the 1.45m track. Sandy Mclean took on the role as pathfinder with the 12-year-old Gino F, coming home with just four faults in each round.
Round one didn’t go to plan for Jessica Hewlett and 10-year-old Ilmar HBC who finished with ten faults, eight jumping and two time, but a much improved second round saw them jump a foot perfect clear to keep Great Britain in the running for a podium position.
Jennifer Billington and Paul Billington’s 12-year-old Flipper Darco Z saw an unfortunate two poles hit the sand in round one but came back to jump a steady clear, collecting just three time penalties in round two.
Anchor rider Izac Ketteridge jumped a careful clear in round one just picking up two time faults with Elisha Simmons’ 12-year-old Galerius, but a miscommunication at both combinations as well as two time faults saw them finish round two with 18 faults.
The team finished on a 21-fault total behind France in first with 12 faults, and Belgium in second place with 18 faults.
“They were a new team; it was the first time jumping on a team for Sandy, Izac and Jessica and the first time for Jennifer at this level and they were solid,” said Clare Whitaker, who was working alongside Chef d’Equipe Tony Newbery.
Image: Agence Ecary
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