Sophia Rogers scoops the Pony of the Year Winter 128cm Championship Title
Thursday 03 September 2020
In the impressive Longines International Arena at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships at Hickstead, 10 year-old Sophia Rogers from Chelmsford, Essex scooped the top prize in the Pony of the Year Winter 128cm Championship on Whinney Lass.
A strong field of 24 contested the first round and this was whittled down to 8 for an ultra-competitive jump off in which six double clears were produced.
The fastest of the double clears came from Sophia on Whinney Lass, 17 year-old grey mare owned by Nicola Rogers. Sophia made the most of the available shortcuts to jump double clear in 37.45 seconds, a time which eventually gave her almost two seconds in hand over her nearest rivals.
Today’s victory marked Whinney Lass’ third consecutive win in this Championship having been piloted to victory by Sophia’s sister Izabella in 2018 and 2019.
A delighted Sophia said “Whinney Lass is just a superstar and at home, we let her do whatever she wants, she is just free range around the yard! This win means everything to me and when I found out I had won, I just started happy tears crying.”
The Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships take place from the 2-6 September at Hickstead, offering classes from pony and grassroots levels up to a 1.40m Grand Prix.
For full results and further information visit www.hickstead.co.uk.
Image courtesy of Julian Portch Photography.
