Ryan Page claims top spot in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Aintree Equestrian Centre

Ryan Page jumped to success at Aintree Equestrian Centre with Zoe Snedker’s Curraghgraigue Q Hill, in a hotly contested SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier. Sixty combinations took to the ring, where they faced Rafael Suarez's 12-fence course, to contest for their spot in the Championship Final at the Agria Royal International Horse Show. 

In a 19 strong jump off, Ryan knew that a swift start was crucial to have a chance at victory: “I hoped to qualify but you never know. I was early to go in the jump off and set out to be quick over the first three fences. I knew I could be quick enough, but you never know how people will go after you."

An impressive 6 combinations flew round the jump off to claim double clears, but it was Curraghgraigue Q Hill who secured the win, edging out Calgary Boy I and James Whitaker by a thrilling 0.74 seconds. 

"We found her [Curraghgraigue Q Hill] as a 3-year-old at the Go for Gold Sale when she was six years old. She is really fast, careful, and brave."

Ryan, who was selected for the 2023/2024 Gold Development Programme in December, had a busy few days leading up to his triumph. Despite the competition, he managed to take the time to attend the second training camp at British Showjumping's National Training Centre. The camp offers training sessions to help participants establish themselves at the 1.40m-1.50m level. Reflecting on the programme, Ryan said: “I love it, it’s given me a chance to meet and get to know other riders that I wouldn’t normally have the chance to, Matt [Lanni] has been a great support since starting the camp last year." 

Ryan will now prepare to compete in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Final with Curraghgraigue Q Hill at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead. He will also ride Beech House Stud's BP Ko Jax, who qualified for the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C at Hartpury late last year. 

Aintree Equestrian Centre Winter Classic – Saturday, 27 January 2024 
SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier 

1st Ryan Page & Curraghgraigue Q Hill - 0/0 - (32.19 seconds) 
2nd James Whitaker & Calgary Boy I - 0/0 - (32.93 seconds) 
3rd Elysia Heagren Bond & Reborne De Royal Horse - 0/0 - (33.77 seconds) 

NB: Results pending official grading. 

Image: courtesy of Majestic Photography 

SEIB Insurance Brokers?provides specialist equestrian insurance throughout the UK and internationally. With over 50 years of experience, SEIB offers a range of equestrian insurance from horses to horseboxes, trailers, stables, cars, home, farriers and other specialist equestrian trades plus riding schools and livery yards. The SEIB Winter Novice Championship is a popular series made up of ten national qualifying rounds which are held ahead of the Championship Final, which will once again be run during the prestigious Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (24 - 18 July 2024). For more details, visit?hickstead.co.uk