Georgia Blakemore Take Top Spot in the Pony Showjumper of the Year at Tillyoch Equestrian Centre
Tuesday 26 July 2016
15 year-old Georgia Blakemore and Toy Story III landed the Pony Showjumper of the Year at Tillyoch Equestrian Centre, guaranteeing a place in the top-ranked Championship Final at this year’s Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October.
Twelve pony and rider combinations jumped in the first round, but only two managed to post clear rounds, with Georgia going head-to-head with Alexander McLean.
Georgia from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire drew the short straw as first to go, but produced another clear round on the 13-year-old mare Toy Story in 45.48 seconds.
It set the standard and proved unbeatable as 13 year-old Alexander from Lasswade, Midlothian challenge with the 9-year-old Irish gelding Tobar King, but hopes faded when a pole hit the floor and relegated them to second.
Just one error in round one denied 14 year-old Faye Sutton from Whitchurch, Shropshire on Robe Ruadh a chance to contend the jump-off. But they proved the fastest four-faulter, and Faye slotted the Irish 12-year-old dun gelding into third to also claim a qualifying place.
Tillyoch Equestrian Centre – Friday 22nd July 2016
Pony Showjumper of the Year Qualifier
1st Georgia Blakemore & Toy Story III – 0/0 - 45.48 seconds
2nd Sandy McQueen & Tobar King – 0/8 - 42.49 seconds
3rd Faye Sutton & Robe Ruadh – 4 - 69.54 seconds
4th Drew Welton & Taquila Twist – 4 – 73.60 seconds
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.
The Horse of the Year Show 2016 will take place from the 5th – 9th October 2016 at Birmingham’s NEC.
