Round-Up from Kelsall Hill's Large Pony Premier
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Henry Leggott continued his recent Pony Premier success to take top spot in Saturday’s Winter JA Classic qualifier at Kelsall Hill’s Large Pony Premier Show. Eleven competitors faced the 1.15m track, with three producing the clear rounds needed to make the final jump-off. First out Nellie Lock set a strong target with Catho Van De Langvelden Z in time of 44.55 but next in Henry did not let that deter him and followed this up with a speedy round on Blossom’s Big Claim, knocking just over 2 seconds off Nellie’s time to take the win. Nellie and the 10-year-old mare eventually slotted into second whilst Alfie Diaper and PJV picked up third, just collecting four faults at the double.
The Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA Handicap also fell the way of Henry Leggott, this time riding Blossom’s Midget. Twenty-one from a field of 35 jumped clear in round one, with only 14 returning to contend this jump-off. Henry and the 13-year-old JC gelding outpaced their rivals to win by just 0.21 seconds, Ella Kay chasing hard to finish second with the JA Magic Cornflakes. Lacie Williams and the JA Mojito Van’t Oordeel picked up third, a further 2.55 seconds in arrears.
Sunday’s Winter JA Classic saw Jack Waddington head this qualifier with Conella II. Fourteen combinations came forward to contend this class, three unlocking the skill needed to reach the second jump off. Jack steered the 11-year-old mare to another clear, keeping tight lines around the shortened course to finish 4.62 seconds ahead of Alfie Diaper and PJV Bella in second place, who had set a tough target from the start. Ella Kay and Magic Cornflakes just tapped out a pole at the penultimate fence to finish third on four faults.
Cate Kerr came to the fore in Saturday’s Winter JC/JD qualifier with Ezee Ysh. Forty combinations contended the Agria Royal International Horse Show qualifier with 14 successfully navigating a double clear to advance to the final jump-off. Cate rode smooth but tight lines, steering the seven-year-old mare to a third clear round and across the finish in a time of 40.36 seconds. Portia Taylor Wilson also jumped another good clear and slotted into second with Mirehill Mist, just 0.62 seconds off the Cate’s pace. Gabriella Douglas and Farravaune Shannen took third, a further 0.57 seconds in arrears.
In Sunday’s equivalent qualifier, Connie Mensley and Luna’s Star proved supreme as they claimed their ticket to the final. Forty-three competitors took on the challenge as thirteen successfully advanced to the final jump-off, six jumping another clear so the results would be determined by the clock. An established partnership, Connie and the seven-year-old mare provided the fastest round to win by 1.42 seconds. Ella Spencer and Rouet Rouge sped into second place with Hollie Gerken and a new ride for her this year, Krakboom D’Euro, picking up third.
India Vilarrubi topped Saturday’s Children on Horses 16 years and under 1.20m qualifier with Vagalenco GF. Seven combinations stepped forward to contend this single-phase class with three jumping double clear so the results would come down to the clock. Second to go, India and the nine-year-old gelding, set a competitive target of 33.09 seconds for the rest of their competitors which ultimately could not be caught. Louis Gunn and Touche De Muze slotted into second, 1.49 seconds in arrears, with Jasmine Newsam and Rineen Womanizer picking up third a further 2.89 seconds off the pace.
It wasn’t to be for India in Sunday’s Children on Horses 16 years and under 1.20m qualifier, as Charlie Barker outpaced all his rivals to take victory with Rinwood Viktor V. Seven combinations came to battle it out for top spot, with two jumping an all important double clear. Charlie and the 13-year-old gelding producing a flawless double clear to take the victory, whilst the on form India and Vagalenco GF took home second place, less that have a second off top spot. Charley Elvin and Magic Carpet II slotted into third place as the fastest combination with four faults.
The Bliss of London Pony Coral Winter Championship Qualifier went to Millie Davies and Teachmor Joey. Three from a field of 14 starters jumped double clear around the 1.10m course with Millie using her final draw to maximum advantage, stopping the clock in an unbeatable time of 41.88 seconds. Lexie Corcoran dropped into second place with Clounanna Archie Boy in a time of 44.34 seconds whilst Sophie Pulman and Marjoy Lord Kardeenie picked up third, 1.82 seconds in arrears.
Image credit: KT Equine Photography
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