Mark Edwards lands his third win in the International Stairway Series at Royal Highland Show
Monday 26 June 2023
Mark Edwards has been on fire on the county circuit and it was no exception at the Royal Highland Show as he made the worthwhile journey from South Wales to win the International Stairway in fine style on Flying Tinker II.
Ten accessed the jump-off over course-designer Mark McGowan’s 1.50m track to vie for the £2,500 first prize, a busy Mark taking three through.
“The time allowed was tight in the first round and it caught out a few, but with a lot of good combinations and a great atmosphere, the course jumped really well,” said Mark.
Clear rounds proved much more difficult to obtain second time out and only three achieved their aim to fill the top three places, Mark claiming victory from eighth draw by 1.17 seconds on Marlene Edwards’ Tinkers Tale 12-year-old gelding, bred by Mark and his father Martyn at their Cowbridge home and later sold to Marlene.
“Ben [Walker] was leading with a good round and I knew I had to keep it tight and smooth,” said Mark.
Ben clinched second place on Creevy Pacino Cruise with Nicole Pavitt jumping SES Goldstar into third.
Mark’s consistent results now sees him at the head of the International Stairway League Table with Flying Tinker, two points ahead of Helen Tredwell on Independence TN, with Mark claiming four of the top six places.
“To have four horses towards the top of the league with Flying Tinker on top is a great reflection on the team of horses and the team on the ground; my Dad and groom Josie Dumment have been a key part to the success we’ve had over the past few years,” said Mark.
Royal Highland Show – Friday, 23 June 2023
International Stairway Series
1st Mark Edwards & Flying Tinker II – 0/0 - 49.32 seconds
2nd Ben Walker & Creevy Pacino Cruise – 0/0 - 51.49 seconds
3rd Nicole Pavitt & SES Goldstar – 0/0 - 52.51 seconds
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results.
Image: Sinclair Photography
The International Stairway, supported by the British Showjumping Partnership with funding from sponsors including Charles Owen, ClipMyHorse.TV, HorseQuest and Zebra Products.
