Molly Heaps takes victory in the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round at Dean Valley
Monday 01 May 2023
Molly Heaps commandingly claimed the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round on Out Of The Blue II with a determined, focused jump-off round to win by more than two seconds at Dean Valley Equestrian Centre in Cheshire.
A total of 38 riders came forward aiming to jump treble clear and qualify for the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Final at the British Showjumping National Championships, Stoneleigh, in August with 25 reaching their initial clear round target. Ten were lost on the way in round two for a 15-strong jump-off, but with eight providing treble clears, it was all about the clock.
Molly, who hails from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, made short work of the jump-off with the 10-year-old Out Of The Blue II, speeding ahead to win by 2.17 seconds.
“He’s a big horse and only felt him jump and use himself in the third round,” said Molly, who has found he can be cheeky. “At home he can play and be spooky but in the ring he grows and focuses on the jumps.”
The Chacco-Blue x Corland gelding was spotted on a Facebook advert and Molly went to view him in Manchester last year.
“I wasn’t really looking to buy a horse and there were a lot of messages (on social media) about his bloodlines so I decided to go and see him. He’s definitely got the pedigree but it was like riding a plank of wood,” said Molly, who nonetheless spotted potential. “I’ve had a lot of advice and training with Jenny and Debbie Lawrence, if anything is in doubt, we go back to flatwork fundamentals – inside leg, outside rein and build up his canter around corners. Now he’s a pleasure, so naturally balanced and extremely responsive.
“I’m delighted to step him up this year. We were second in the Blue Chip Championships Discovery Final last month, I want to go one better at the British Showjumping National Championships,” ,” added Molly, who enjoyed her time at this venue – “They are always so accommodating and welcoming.”
Sophie Hillier claimed second on Nice Star B and Annabel Ackers steered Conthargos Konzert PS into third.
Dean Valley Equestrian Centre – Sunday, 30 April, 2023
Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round
1st Molly Heaps & Out Of The Blue II – 0/0/0 - 38.05 seconds
2nd Sophie Hillier & Nice Star B – 0/0/0 - 40.22 seconds
3rd Annabel Ackers & Conthargos Konzert PS – 0/0/0 - 40.74 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: KT Equine Photography
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