Kieran Thurkettle and LSS Mayweather Triumph in Ariat Senior British Novice Second Round at Muirmill

The Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round at Muirmill Equestrian Centre saw 13 rider and horse combinations come forward to contest Lee Roebuck's track, all hoping to secure qualification for the Final at the British Showjumping National Championships. 

The course proved a fair test, with seven combinations producing faultless performances through the opening two rounds to earn their place in a closely contested jump-off. 

With little separating the finalists, it was Kieran Thurkettle riding Gordon Graham's LSS Mayweather who claimed victory after producing a smooth and efficient clear round in a time of 45.40 seconds. 

Hot on his heels was Samantha Binnie aboard Northstar Appin, who also jumped a superb clear round. Stopping the clock in 45.52 seconds, the pair finished just fractions behind the winners to take second place. 

Third place went to Clare Millar and MBF Cristo, who completed the podium after another faultless jump-off performance, crossing the finish line in 45.74 seconds. 

The closely fought results highlighted the quality of competition on display, with less than half a second separating the top three combinations. 

Having successfully navigated the Second Round stage, the qualified combinations will now set their sights on the Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Final, which will take place at the British Showjumping National Championships this August. 

“Floyd is a five year old Chacco Blue x Toulon stallion, who I have been riding for around six months now after he was broken by Ronnie’s [Brady] rider, then I got the ride. Never since the horse has been to his first show he has been so consistent, he tries his hardest and for him being a stallion he is the most lovely natured horse to be around. 

“Muirmill was great, we don’t go there too often as it’s quite far away but as we had qualified for both second rounds we thought we might as well give it a go. The courses all really suited us and it’s the first time we have asked Floyd against the clock, as he is so well bred and talented we just want consistent double clears, it’s his first time stepping up and he proved he’s going to be a good horse for a jump off, which is great. 

“We have the Royal Highland Show this week where Floyd has qualified for the five year old championship there, these second rounds have been great warm up and preparation for that, so I am feeling confident for that. For the rest of the season, we will be aiming him at young horse classes and the National Championships now we have picked the two qualifications up. We will start to step him up and he jumped a great double clear in the Newcomers recently, I’m looking forward to producing this one and see how far he goes.” Kieran said.   

Ariat Senior British Novice Championship Second Round 

Muirmill Equestrian Centre, Saturday 13 June 2026 

1st – Kieran Thurkettle & LSS Mayweather – 0/0/0 45.40 

2nd – Samantha Binnie & Northstar Appin – 0/0/0 45.52 

3rd – Clare Millar & MBF Cristo – 0/0/0 45.74 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.     

Image: Equiscot Photography