Aimee Paxton takes the win in the penultimate Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round at Kelsall Hill.
Wednesday 17 July 2024
The Summer Pony Premier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian hosted the penultimate Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round of 2024, as young riders and their ponies vied for a spot at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final. An impressive 70 riders entered the arena, each with hopes of advancing through the rounds and ultimately securing a ticket to HOYS.
The initial round saw 32 of the starting 70 riders clear their paths to the second round, where the challenging course halved the field, leaving only the top 16 to face the final jump-off. Here riders gave it their all and raced against the clock in a bid to cross the finish line in the fastest time.
Fourth to go, Holly Coward-Talbott, riding Lottea III owned by Tanya Coward-Talbott, achieved the first triple clear of the competition with a time of 35.35 seconds. However, her lead was swiftly challenged by Aimee Paxton aboard Madoghill Gorowny, owned by Maddie Maher. Aimee and the 13-year-old gelding, affectionately known as Jerry, completed the course in a remarkable 35.19 seconds, edging out Holly by a mere 0.16 seconds.
Reflecting on her performance, Aimee shared: “Jerry jumped really well. It was a very busy jump-off in the Newcomers, I think I was fifth to go, with 11 or so behind me. It was a case of how fast you dare to go, but also going clear. He was amazing and answered all the questions.”
Despite the fierce competition, Aimee's time proved unbeatable. Competitors who followed either failed to match her speed or incurred faults. The only other triple clear round was delivered by Bella Wild on Christopher Dyson’s New Jersey Star, clocking in at 39.90 seconds, securing a respectable third place.
Aimee’s victory not only earned her top honors but also a qualification for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in October. Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, she said, “I'm very much looking forward to HOYS. I think Jerry will enjoy it, he loves a big atmosphere and all the attention, and I think he will rise to the occasion.”
One Blue Chip Pony Newcomer Second Round remains ahead of the Masters class at the British Showjumping National Championships, where riders will compete for their last chance to qualify for the Final.
Kelsall Hill – Saturday, 13th July 2024
Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round
1st - Aimee Paxton and Madoghill Gorowny - 0/0/0 35.09
2nd - Holly Coward-Talbott and Lottea III - 0/0/0 35.25
3rd - Bella Wild and New Jersey Star - 0/0/0 39.62
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
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