Young Riders Shine at Aintree Equestrian Centre Large Pony Premier
Wednesday 21 January 2026
.jpg "Young Riders Shine at Aintree Equestrian Centre Large Pony Premier")
Aintree Equestrian Centre hosted the second Large Pony Premier Show of the year, welcoming a strong field of young riders and ponies for a successful weekend of high-quality sport.
Saturday’s Winter JA Classic provided an exciting start to the weekend, with a closely fought jump-off decided on time. Raphaela Dawson claimed the win aboard Maifield Another Sunrise, finishing in 37.68 seconds with four faults in the final round. Kitty Colquhoun followed closely in second place with Craughwell Boy, while Holly West and Runard Lass completed the podium in third.
Sunday’s equivalent JA Qualifying class saw Holly West go one better, taking the top spot with Runard Lass after delivering a composed clear round in 73.64 seconds. Kitty Colquhoun once again featured prominently, finishing second with Craughwell Boy, while Katie Ellen Mellish secured third place aboard Dulk Du Thym.
In Saturday’s Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA, the standard was high as riders on JA ponies dominated the class, filling all three podium places. Henry Leggott continued his impressive form, securing victory with Blossom’s Big Claim in 28.64 seconds, marking his second show win in succession, albeit on a different pony. Amelia Stratton Charlton took second place with Ballyboran, while Holly West added another podium finish with Runard Lass in third.
Saturday’s Winter JC/JD Qualifier produced another strong performance from Phoebe Crossman, who claimed her second consecutive qualifier win, this time aboard Ballylee Majestic Hearts. The pair delivered a fast and faultless triple clear round in 35.08 seconds. Portia Taylor Wilson finished close behind in second with Olivia W, while Britney Clarke took third place with Giorgio De Balizac.
The Sunday Winter JC/JD Qualifier belonged to Portia Taylor Wilson, who converted a strong performance into victory with Lottea III, producing a confident triple clear to stop the clock in 31.96 seconds. Raphaela Dawson continued her consistent weekend by finishing second aboard Woody Van Duyversputten, while Ella Kay secured third with Madoghill Goronwy.
Saturday’s Children on Horses 1.20m Qualifier saw Alex Leggott and Blossom’s Billy Heinz continue their winning run, claiming a second consecutive victory with a quick and fluent clear round in 27.33 seconds. Charlotte Adams followed closely in second with Diva Z II, while Douglas Breen finished third aboard Avalon Du Carpont.
On Sunday, Charlotte Adams went one better and returned the top of the podium in the Children on Horses 1.20m Qualifier, producing a smooth double clear with Diva Z II to take the win in 30.06 seconds. Alex Leggott claimed second place with Jewel Princess Maximus SG, while Adams rounded off a successful weekend by finishing third with Fuerty Cruising Jag.
NB Results pending final grading
Image credit: Majestic Photography
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