Oliver Betteridge and Drummin Flyer Claim STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round Victory at Kelsall Hill E.C.
Friday 17 July 2026
Kelsall Hill E.C. hosted an exciting STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at the weekend, where a talented field of young riders took on Amanda Routledge's challenging course in the hope of securing qualification for the Championship Final.
The track proved a true test, with five combinations producing double clears through the opening rounds to earn their place in the jump-off.
When it mattered most, Oliver Betteridge and Kate Betteridge's Drummin Flyer delivered the only faultless jump-off of the class, stopping the clock in 40.49 seconds to take a well-deserved victory and book their place at the Championship Final.
Second place went to Ava Collinson riding Uggool Rocky. The pair looked set to challenge for the win with a fast round but an unfortunate four faults left them with a finishing time of 44.18 seconds.
Just one-hundredth of a second behind, Sophie Pulman partnered Morrigan Elijah into third place. The combination also incurred four faults after an unlucky rail at the final fence, crossing the finish line in 44.19 seconds.
The class produced an exciting finale, with the jump-off rewarding riders who balanced speed with accuracy. Oliver Betteridge and Drummin Flyer were the only combination to keep every fence intact in the deciding round, making their performance a deserving winning one.
“We bought Casper a year ago with the aim of trying to get his double clears, and jump the 2nd rounds, so it was nice that the plan came off, this was the only qualifier we attended, so our only chance to qualify. Casper is so much fun, he also loves a trip to the beach, but he does annoy my mum [Kate] as he digs up his bed if you don’t give him his feed fast enough.
We had a double celebration, as we jumped one of only two double clears in the following days Pony Discovery 2nd Round to finish 2nd and qualify for the Nationals, so to have come over from East Yorkshire and gone home with two qualifications, it couldn’t have gone better. It was a hot weekend, and in the warmup class we went through the water jump in the jump off section, I think it made the judges jump a bit, but it was fun, and I knew Casper would be fine! It was the shortest route, so we took it.” Oliver tells us.
STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round
Kelsall Hill E C, Saturday 11 July 2026
1st – Oliver Betteridge & Drummin Flyer – 0/0/0 40.49
2nd – Ava Collinson & Uggool Rocky – 0/0/4 44.18
3rd – Sophie Pulman & Morrigan Elijah – 0/0/4 44.19
NB: Results pending official grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
