Kate Ellison Takes A Commanding Victory in the Penultimate Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round at Bicton Arena
Tuesday 08 July 2025
The penultimate Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round took place last weekend at Bicton Arena.
In the vast grass arena, 20 horse and rider combinations came forward to compete for top spot over a challenging course. Almost half the starting field jumped clear over Nigel Jess’ 1.30m course, with four unlocking the second clear needed to advance to the final jump-off.
It was Kate Ellison who emerged victorious as she guided Tracy Scammell’s Tudor Lough to a convincing win in a time of 39.69 seconds. Karl Robins, riding Cool March for the March Stud, claimed second place, stopping the clock 1.77 seconds behind the winning pair. Michael Tuff took home third place with his own Nashville II, a further 6.46 seconds further in arrears.
“I planned to do my own round and didn’t watch anyone else go,” explained Kate about her win. “She’s naturally fast and has a big stride but I’ve not pushed her before. It all came together on the day which was amazing as this show was her first ever time on grass, but it didn’t seem to faze her at all, and she made it seem effortless.”
Talking fondly of the eight-year-old mare, known as Pip at home, Kate said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have finally got a ticket to the Foxhunter Final. I’m sure she has no idea what she has just done and how much it means to everyone. It [the final] will be a big test for her as she’s not even done a 1.40m class yet, but I’m not worried about how she will cope with the atmosphere. She’s a very straight-forward, no-nonsense mare. She’s owned by her breeders who jumped her mum which is a great achievement for them, and they’ve got some more youngster with the same Dam which is exciting for the future.”
In the Senior Newcomers Second Round, Thomas Pritchard led the way with The Double M Stud’s Orovito, crossing through the finish beams in a time of 38.40 seconds. Jessica Baugh slotted into second place with Vere Phillips’ Wellview Luxigraaf, 1.02 seconds off the winning pace whilst Jamie Wingrove picked up third with his own Zilfa Star finishing a further 1.96 seconds in arrears.
Bicton Arena – Saturday, 5 July 2025
Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round
1st – Kate Ellison & Tudor Lough - 0/0/0 39.69 seconds
2nd – Karl Robbins & Cool March - 0/0/0 41.46 seconds
3rd – Michael Tuff & Nashville II - 0/0/0 47.92 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: ESP Photographic
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