Andrew Walker secures the win in the Equissage Pulse Senior British Novice Second Round at Northallerton Equestrian Centre
Wednesday 28 June 2023
Andrew Walker claimed a catch ride for the Equissage Pulse Senior British Novice Second Round at Northallerton Equestrian Centre, Yorkshire, and promptly won with Fernando DHI.
“I train his owner and regular rider Amy Kneafsey but as she was sunning herself in Greece this week, I pinched the ride,” said Andrew, who had struggled to get to the show. “The lorry wouldn’t start and I borrowed a 3.5 tonne from someone on the yard to get there, but it was worth the perseverance and Amy was ecstatically happy.”
Fifteen of the original 26 starters posted first round clears over course-designer Tracey Strangeways’ 10-fence, 12-effort 1m track with nine eventually reaching the jump-off. Andrew’s rivals were not match for him as he skilfully negotiated the shortened and raised jump-off, steering the Faldo x Lauriston 13-year-old Fernando into winning with 1.44 seconds in hand.
Andrew had ridden Fernando “on the odd occasion,” when teaching Amy on a regular weekly lesson, but it was their first competition.
“He was dropped off three days before the show to get to know him but it was handy the class was over three rounds, we were still sussing each other out over rounds one and two. He’s a well-rounded horse and a former eventer until we persuaded Amy to switch disciplines; he’s in front of the leg and keeps coming,” said Andrew. “I haven’t won a class since 2016 as I’m usually riding youngsters, it was nice to ride a more experienced one and be able to have a cut against the clock.”
Rebecca Cooper eased Bobby Brown IV into second place and Jennifer Garrad filled third spot on Willowfield Rebel.
Northallerton EC – Saturday, 24 June 2023
Equissage Pulse Senior British Novice Second Round
1st Andrew Walker & Fernando DHI – 0/0/0 - 36.33 seconds
2nd Rebecca Cooper & Bobby Brown IV – 0/0/0 - 37.77 seconds
3rd Jennifer Garrad & Willowfield Rebel – 0/0/0 - 38.00 seconds
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results
Image: Northallerton Equestrian
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