Eve Giannotta is a double champion, and The Dixie Grammar School are a force to be reckoned with at the Just For Schools Winter Championships.
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Eve Giannotta excelled in tough competition to claim victory in both the Winter Individual Schools 80cm and 90cm Championships with Oreo Patches, at the Just For Schools Winter Championships held at the Cricklands home at the popular David Broome Event Centre near Chepstow, South Wales.
Beginning her campaign in the Winter Individual Schools 80cm final, Eve took home the title for the second year in a row with her consistent coloured 13-year-old JA pony with a well-executed double clear. Francesca Finneran slotted into second place with Falaza whilst Harriet Bennett picked up third with Popies Pop Star.
Returning to take the Winter Individual Schools 90cm title as well, Eve produce another quick double clear once again with Oreo Patches to finish just 0.06 seconds ahead of second placed Harriet Bennett and Popies Pop Star. Ellie Williams filled third place with Booms Choice.
Genevieve Johnson secured the Winter Individual Schools 1m tile with her partner of almost a year, Salut I. Guiding the 10-year-old mare swiftly around the course, Genevieve utilised the established partnership to outpace her rivals by 1.21 seconds. Harriet Lister secured second place with Cashmir Jumper whilst Summer Braine slotted into third with Ozzy Lifestyle.
Grace Rickards, winner of the Individual Winter 60cm final in 2024, returned this year with Talponciau Heirloom to go one better and take home the Individual Winter 70cm final. Charlotte Noys finished as her nearest rival on Amner Hot Springs in second place, just over a second off the pace with Francesca Finneran & Falaza picking up another placing in third.
Olivia Banwell topped the Winter Individual Schools 1.10m title on her 13-year-old gelding Fairfield Gort with a quick double clear that could not be matched. Oliver Dunk & Katelane had to settle for second place with Megan Yeomans and Wilberforce II slotted into third.
Poppy Dayment was crowned Winter Individual Schools 60cm champion on Westerlake Fagus, claiming the win with a handsome 2.89 seconds to spare. Scarlett Rose Cox chased hard to finish in second place with Menedh Night and Henrietta Henton picked up third sport with Tennessee Whiskey.
Retaining their 2024 title, the Dixie Grammar school seized victory in the Winter Teams 70cm Final with the team of Luchia Dawe, riding Ardlea Perry One, Rosie Broome, riding Thistledown Gregorys Girl and Grace Barker, riding Montruth Mission Impossible.
The Dixie Grammar school team of Lily May Dawe, riding Marino III, Max Coleman, riding Cayman, and Oliver Dunk, riding Katelane, also proved foot-perfect in the Winter Teams 1m Final to take the title, a championship the school also won in 2024
The Winter Teams 80cm Final went the way of Worksop College team, made up of Amy Kinch, riding Flora Vita, Alice Hardstaff, riding Anarcho de Blonde, Florence Fishe, riding Cuckoopen Kite, and Francesca Finneran, riding Falaza.
Guildford High School riders pulled together to take home the Winter Teams 90cm Final, the team made up of Keira Merriman, riding Woodland Prince II, Elaheh Baadar, riding Gorty Cross, Amelie Bigmore, riding Bobnamara, and Enoki Calvert-Ansari, riding Wheres My Colour.
Teign School proved the best in the Winter 60cm Team final with Amber Eastley, riding Rockyview Ronnie, Tabitha Cook, riding Moorland Sweetie Pie, Grace Prowse, riding Bit of Pickle II, and Skyla Forbes-Clarke, riding Doyland Tipyn Bach.
Images: Showground Photography