Golden Cross Equestrian Centre host the next round of Equiyd National Amateur Championship Second Round Qualifiers
Friday 09 October 2026
Next up to host the Equiyd National Amateur Championship Second Rounds over the weekend was Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, where impressive performances were showcased from riders vying for a place in the National Finals at Aintree Equestrian Centre in November. With tracks set under the watchful eye of experienced course designer Peter Gillespie, competition was tense and hotly contested.
Danielle Johns jumps to win the 85cm Second Round
Eighteen combinations contested an exciting Equiyd 85cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier. Eight riders pulled off clear rounds heading through to the jump off where the leading combinations were closely matched, making for a competitive finish to the class. It was Danielle Johns who took the victory aboard Karen Brouder’s Alimo's Escape Z, producing the fastest round of the competition in 34.33 seconds. It was a very close second place finish in a time of 34.48 seconds from Talia-Rae Marchant riding Charlotte Marchant’s Barrack Field Danny. Completing the top three was Drew Garton riding his own Targa UK, stopping the clock clear in a time of 37.72 seconds.
Double placings for Harriet Etheridge as she secures the 95cm Second Round
Next up was the Equiyd 95cm National Amateur Championship Qualifier which saw twenty combinations step up to the challenge. A total of seven combinations made it through to the jump-off where consistency and accuracy proved decisive for Harriet Etheridge who secured the win, riding her own Conminka MB Z with the sole double clear of the class in a time of 31.26 seconds. Second place went Aragon Des Dames Z, owned and ridden by Julia Coombes. They produced a speedy time of 28.95 seconds but sadly picked up four faults at fence two. It was a great day for Harriet Etheridge, as she also claimed third place on her second ride, Alexandra Pinsent’s Cleo Blue PS, where they posted a time of 31.90 seconds, with just four faults along the route.
Fiona Osborne reigns victorious in the 1.05m Second Round
The competition continued to build momentum in the Equiyd 1.05m National Amateur Championship Qualifier, where six starters took on the course. Just two combinations achieved the goal of jumping clear to advance into the jump-off to secure qualification with one double clear topping the bill. Fiona Osborne claimed the win onboard her own Fridaynight Du Vlist, with a jump-off time of 38.40 seconds. Poppy Hunt finished second riding her own Khamsin Tempest, posting a quicker jump-off time of 36.88 seconds but incurring four faults at the second part of the double. Third place went to Bryony Jane Temple Lewis riding her own Kearns Boy, completing the first round in 63.66 seconds with eight faults.
All roads lead to Aintree
With the Second Round qualifiers now complete at Golden Cross Equestrian 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 South View 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
Image: PDG-Event Photography
