Kelsall Hill Delivers a Weekend of Winter Classic Competition

The Winter Classic series continued in style over the weekend as British Showjumping headed to Kelsall Hill for the second fixture of the season. With valuable qualification opportunities and Winter Grand Prix League points up for grabs, riders came forward in force, delivering a competitive weekend of showjumping across the feature classes. 

Winter Grand Prix 

The Winter Grand Prix proved a highlight of the weekend, attracting 52 rider and horse combinations to contest Rafael Suarez's track. With important Winter Grand Prix League points on offer, there was plenty to play for as riders looked to make their mark in the early stages of the series. 

Just 11 combinations successfully negotiated the first round without fault to earn their place in the jump-off, where it was Jessica Hewitt who produced the winning performance. Riding Sonny Broberg's Kann Be Lucky, Jessica delivered a second clear round in a time of 35.95 seconds to take the top spot. 

Joseph Trunkfield followed closely behind with Kosmos A, also jumping clear in a time of 37.21 seconds to secure second place. Shane Breen completed the podium aboard Be Alcantara, producing another faultless performance in 37.29 seconds to take third. 

Winter Grade C 

There was further exciting competition in the Winter Grade C, which saw 43 combinations come forward to take on the challenge. With 15 combinations progressing to the jump-off after clear first rounds, the competition was closely fought, but it was Seamus Taylor who claimed victory. 

Riding Emerson Tough's Damlisna, Seamus produced a superb double clear to take the win in a time of 31.84 seconds. Jack Whitaker secured second place aboard Jerricho Des Biches, also jumping clear in 32.34 seconds, while Iwan Carpenter completed the top three with Ramiro Dollar, finishing clear in 32.65 seconds. 

Under 25 British Championship Qualifier 

The Under 25 British Championship Qualifier attracted an impressive 62 combinations, with riders looking to secure their place at the British Showjumping Winter Championships at Arena UK in March. 

Rafael Suarez's course proved a competitive test, with just 13 combinations successfully jumping clear in the first round to progress to the jump-off. It was Iwan Carpenter who ultimately took the top spot, riding Amanda Carpenter's Starido I to a second clear round in 34.13 seconds. 

Angel Tough secured second place with Carey III, finishing just fractions behind in 34.18 seconds, while Madison Heath took third aboard Guerlain De Hus, also delivering a double clear in 34.23 seconds. 

With another successful Winter Classic fixture complete, the series continues to gather momentum as riders work towards securing their all-important qualifications. 

The next stop will be Morris Equestrian, where further opportunities await as the race towards the British Showjumping Winter Championships at Arena UK in March continues. With plenty still to play for across the series, we look forward to seeing who will secure their place at the Winter Championships next! 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results 

Image: KT Equine Photography