NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League finalists are confirmed
Monday 29 July 2024
.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League finalists are confirmed")
After a season of brilliant competition, the qualifiers for the NAF Five Star Silver and Bronze League Finals were decided this weekend at the semi-finals held at Chard Equestrian and Northcote Stud.
A total of 194 horse and rider combinations competed across the four semi-finals, all vying for the coveted qualification for the Horse of the Year Show. Competitors earned their place in the Semi-Final either by topping their regional league table or placing in the top 3 at a qualifier.
Each semi-final featured three rounds of competition, with riders aiming for a clean sheet and the fastest time in the final jump-off. The top seven in each class would secure their ticket to the NAF Five Star Silver and Bronze League Finals at the Horse of the Year Show in October.
Emma Jo Slater dominated the Silver League Semi-Final, riding four of the 11 horses that made it into the final jump-off. Commenting on her many rides, Emma Jo said: “Every year we try to pursue this class as I have never won this final, even though I have qualified many times. Hopefully this might be my year. I had three of Kim Barzilay’s super horses and one of Judy Ross’s horses in it.”
Emma’s second jump-off ride, Freule TN, claimed victory with a swift clear round, which proved to too hard to beat, even by herself. The 4-year-old bay mare, owned by Kim Barzilay, crossed the finish line in 35.50 seconds, nearly a second faster than her own time on Judy Ross’ Fleur de Logis, who took second place. Talking about her winning horse, Emma Jo commented “I particularly wanted Freule TN to be the highest placed of mine so she could go to HOYS but it’s nice to have a spare as I can only take one. Freule TN is by Baloubet du Rouet, and she is sharpest, feistiest horse I’ve ever sat on. And should have a good chance in the final if I don’t mess up!”
Third place went to Katie Louise Robinson on Mervs Thanks a Million, who achieved a triple clear in 38.02 seconds.
Glory in the NAF Five Star Bronze League Semi-Final South, went to Billy Colclough and Kept Secret T. Billy and Georgina Burchmore-Eames’ 9-year-old mare were fourth to go, with Billy having already jumped his first horse, Here I am SQBS. Gaining four faults in his first bid for the win, Billy knew what was needed to pilot Kept Secret T to the win, finishing clear and fast in a time of 39.81 seconds. Hot on their heels was second-placed Richard Nichol and his own Avalon V, who jumped their triple clear just 0.64 seconds slower than the winners, but still earning their qualification to the Final.
Meanwhile Northcote Stud were hosting the NAF Five Star Silver and Bronze League Semi-Finals north. Topping the results for the Silver League was Samantha Jimmison and Joanne Pullan’s Mourincho II, who qualified for the semi-final via the league tables, following a successful season together. They won by a mere 0.02 seconds in a nail-biting jump-off, where the top five horses were separated by just 0.8 seconds. Their round meant second place for Harriette Rushton and Edwin and Tina Cumberland’s C Rouet Du Darco Z who crossed the finish line in 40.09, an unbelievable 0.57 seconds ahead of third placed Holly Gair and Top Line Bellini.
In the NAF Five Star Bronze League Semi Final North, Lucy Hassall and her horse, aptly named One For Lucy, recorded the fastest treble clear of the day in the Bronze League Semi-Final North, finishing in 37.44 seconds. The pair’s win comes following their qualification for the semi-final via the league table, where they finished the period in second place, a testament to the fantastic season they have had.
Chloe Burns on Mr Jaco secured second place with a jump-off time of 41.41 seconds, narrowly ahead of Lola Shotton and Emmoru, who finished in 42.07 seconds.
These semi-finals conclude the qualifications for the NAF Five Star Silver and Bronze League Finals, set to take place at the Horse of the Year Show in October. Congratulations to all riders who have earned their spot, and best of luck to everyone in the Finals!
NAF Five Star Silver League Semi Final
Chard Equestrian Ltd
1st - Emma Jo Slater and Freule TN - 0/0/0 35.50
2nd - Emma Jo Slater and Fleur Du Logis - 0/0/0 36.46
3rd - Katie Louise Robinson and Mervs Thanks A Million II - 0/0/0 38.02
NAF Five Star Bronze League Semi Final
Chard Equestrian Ltd
1st - Billy Colclough and Kept Secret T - 0/0/0 39.81
2nd - Richard Nichol and Avalon V - 0/0/0 40.45
3rd - Sorcha Gamble and RS My Sina VD Kalevallei - 0/0/0 41.63
NAF Five Star Silver League Semi Final
Northcote Stud Ltd
1st - Samantha Jimmison and Mourinho II - 0/0/0 40.07
2nd - Harriette Rushton and C Rouet Du Darco Z - 0/0/0 40.09
3rd - Holly Gair and Top Line Bellini - 0/0/0 40.68
NAF Five Star Bronze League Semi Final
Northcote Stud Ltd
1st - Lucy Hassall and One for Lucy - 0/0/0 37.44
2nd - Chloe Burns and Mr Jaco - 0/0/0 41.41
3rd - Lola Shotton and Emmoru - 0/0/0 42.07
NB Results pending official grading
Images: ESP Photographic
sh2vt67utafj.jpg "Michael McColm takes the win in the last STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Second Round of 2024")
.jpg "DI LAMPARD GIVEN DORIAN WILLIAMS TROPHY")