Equiyd National Amateur Championship Second Rounds Continue with Action Packed Competition at Wellington Riding Centre
Tuesday 15 September 2026
Competitors gathered at Wellington for the second weekend of the Equiyd National Amateur Second Round competitions, where riders competed for valuable qualifying places at the Championship Finals, to be held at Aintree International Equestrian Centre in November. It was a full day of action-packed jumping with well-built and fair courses designed by Stuart Reeve Young, testing rider skill, accuracy, and determination.
Lily Grace Butcher takes first win of the day in the 85cm
The show began with the Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier – Second Round, which saw 20 starters come forward into the arena, with four combinations progressing through to the jump-off where the placings would be decided.
A total of three double clears were recorded in this first qualifying class, and it was Lily Grace Butcher who took the top honours riding Richard Butler’s Dale Lad, producing two competitive clear rounds to win in a time of 41.69 seconds.
Sofia Egan with Guido T secured second place in 46.52 seconds, having returned to the arena to produce a second faultless round, while Tallulah Kettlewell aboard Cajou Van Overis Z completed the top three with their respectable clear in 47 seconds dead.
Sofia Scotney succeeds with 95cm win
Next up was the Equiyd 95cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier – Second Round where a strong field of 27combinations stepped up to the challenge.
A total of 10 combinations were successful in their journey to make it through to the jump-off, where four returned foot-perfect double clears. The standout performance came from Sofia Scotney with Claire Gill’s LSS Justified HCS, stopping the clock in a speedy 41.81 seconds, almost five seconds ahead of her closest rival, the victory was hers.
Second place was scooped up by Susan Andrews riding her own Carrasea, crossing the line with a clear in 46.01 seconds with Kayleigh Smith hot on her heels in third, posting a clear in the time of 46.35 seconds.
Pearl Clougherty claims 1.05m victory
The Equiyd 1.05m National Amateur Championship Qualifier – Second Round was the penultimate qualifier of the day, attracting 19 competitive combinations, all hoping for clear rounds and qualification.
Six of the 19 hopefuls progressed successfully to the jump off, where Pearl Clougherty produced a rapid, yet precise clear in an unrivalled time of 39.92 seconds with Jo Clougherty’s KMR Flamenco.
Following in second was Lilly May Redshaw riding Astrid Redshaw’s Cantou DE Bleys, crossing the line with a great clear in 46.43 seconds.
Lilly Bartlett leads the way in the 1.10m
Rounding of the day’s qualifiers was the Equiyd 1.10m National Amateur Championship Qualifier – Second Round, where 13 combinations came forward to take on the course.
Lilly Bartlett riding her own Cathmor emerged victorious in this final qualifying class of the day. The winning pair successfully navigated the sole first round clear to secure their ticket to the prestigious Championship Final.
All roads lead to Aintree
With the Second Round qualifiers now complete at Wellington Riding Centre, the focus turns firmly towards the Equiyd National Amateur Championships at Aintree in November.
For those who have secured their place, the countdown is officially on. With national titles on the line, competitors will now have their sights set on producing their very best performances when they return to the arena at Aintree.
Congratulations to all the riders who competed at Wellington and to those who have progressed through to the Championships. We look forward to seeing you at Aintree in November!
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results
Images: Charlotte Bury Photography
