Nigel Coupe Scoops the International Stairway Win at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show
Friday 29 July 2016
With the International Stairway League Final looming large on the horizon, Nigel Coupe from Preston, Lancashire scooped a great first place on board Jubilee III at the New Forest & Hampshire Show leg of the series.
Seventeen competitors began the class but combinations who were able to produce clear rounds were few and far between, with just five able to produce a first round clear over Charles Ashworth’s complex course. Just two competitors were able to bag a double clear.
Riding John O’Halloran’s 12 year-old chestnut mare, Jubilee III, Nigel took on the challenge of the jump off with both and he proved his expertise as he posted a double clear in 57.71 seconds.
Emma Slater was hot on Nigel’s heels as she produced the only other double clear of the competition. Emma rode the 11 year-old bay gelding, Art D Usance, owned by Mark Haines into second place with a double clear in 59.43 seconds.
With the second fence taking a tumble, Tracey Priest from Cranleigh, Surrey eased into third place. Riding Caristo VDL, a 9 year-old grey gelding owned by Penelope Priest, Tracey crossed the finish line in 60.50 seconds.
The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows where winning combinations accrue League Points that count towards the Final which takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park. The series culminates with a high profile championships where three Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are allocated as well as it being where the sports National Champion is crowned.
The British Showjumping National Championships 2016 will take place during the 9th – 14th August at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
