Six Stars Secure SEIB Big Star Championship Qualification at Northcote Stud

The SEIB Big Star Championship Qualifier at Northcote Stud attracted 12 talented rider and horse combinations, all hoping to secure their place in the prestigious SEIB Six-Year-Old Championship bonus at the Al Shira'aa Young Horse Show, taking place at Hickstead this August. 

Competitors faced a testing track designed by Nigel Jess, with the course asking plenty of questions of both horse and rider. The quality of the six-year-olds on display was evident throughout the competition, with eight combinations successfully producing clear rounds in both of the opening rounds to keep their qualification hopes alive. 

With qualification on the line, the pressure mounted as riders returned for the decisive third round. The standard remained exceptionally high, and six combinations managed to produce the coveted treble clear performance, earning their tickets to the Championship Bonus at Hickstead. 

Christopher Smith & El Mundo De Zelande Z 

Danielle Ryder & Unique Van Her Bildeken 

James Adams Riley & Enzo K 

John-Paul Sheffield & Nikita MF 

Christopher Smith & Chickatina JL Z 

Grace Shuddall Hughes & Dee Diamond SH 

Riders contesting the SEIB Six-Year-Old Championship will also compete for the prestigious Big Star Trophy, awarded in honour of Nick Skelton’s legendary 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning partner Big Star. 

Adding further excitement to the series, any horse jumping a treble clear in one of the four Big Star qualifiers held between May and July will automatically become eligible for the £1,000 Big Star Bonus, which will be awarded at the Final. 

Congratulations to all six qualifiers, and we wish them the very best of luck as they prepare for the SEIB Six-Year-Old Championship bonus at the Al Shira'aa Young Horse Show this August. 

NB Results pending official grading  

Image: Majestic Photography