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CHEPSTOW INTERNATIONAL CSI2*/1*
Fabulous sunshine and top-class showjumping, thrills, spills, excitement and glamour – the Chepstow International
CSI 2* / 1* held at the David Broome Event Centre, Gwent took place over the bank holiday weekend.(1 st-5th May),
now in its second year, had it all.
Holly Gillott took the feature big tour grand prix with Dougie Douglas. They’d already shown form by winning the first day’s big class,
underscoring their talent and recent Nations Cup selection for Denmark. “He’s just gets better and I know I can trust him” said Holly,
who has benefitted from training on the BEF World Class Excel programme. “Jumping at International level is a first for both of us and
Corinne Bracken has helped tremendously, I’ve improved my riding
technique.”
Holly also headed the medium tour jump-off on Christine Spanner’s Topflight
True Carlo, a ride she gained at Christmas and a winner in Spain earlier in the
year.
Joe Davison claimed the big tour two phase with recent acquisition Vennoot II, a
12-year-old owned by Mark Liley who will be aimed at Nations Cup teams and
world ranking classes. “He needed plenty of flatwork, but he’s got a good brain
and wants to learn” said Joe, who can rely on his father, dressage supremo
Richard Davison, for tips.
Julie Andrews headed the Medium Tour Grand Prix with Emelie Marsh’s Ayrton
IV, a promising nine-year-old bought in November. “He’s everything, an out-andout jumper, and beautiful to ride and manage” said Julie, “His previous rider
Claire Shepherd has done a fabulous job producing him.”
Kayleigh Watts won the medium tour two phase on Mandy Hall’s Red Lady
II.“She’s feisty, definitely a red lady, but she’s fantastic in the ring” said Kayleigh,
who has worked for Mandy, at first in the riding school, since she left school nine
years ago. “I’m very lucky to ride amazing horses.”
Tom Whitaker headed the first of the medium tour classes with Upanda, a 13year-old by No Limit.
Chloe Winchester enjoyed a tremendous show. Third in the big grand
prix on Avoca Valkyrie, she headed the ultra-competitive small grand prix
with a breath-taking round on Ed Howard’s Zandokan H.“I can trust him to
gallop, he’s so careful” said a delighted Chloe, “We’ve just been pipped at
the post in the last two days, but he pulled it out the bag today.”
Young rider chef d’Equipe Corinne Bracken was pleased with young riders and juniors holding their own against
seniors. “It was great to see 20 young riders attending Chepstow international, and Chloe was outstanding.”
Several riders were competing at International level for the first time through the Sport England funded International
Experience Programme and attended several lectures, including veterinary and anti-doping. “We will select eight to
jump at a show abroad later in the year” said Corinne.
Joe Clayton captured day one’s small tour class with Bonita Z, an eight-year-old
owned by Michael Whitaker. “She’s careful and is naturally quick” said Joe, who
won at the recent Arezzo tour with this mare.
Lance Whitehouse claimed victory in day three’s medium tour with Des Le Marquand’s Dior V Overis Z.“This was
a rare speed class for him, I tend to use him in big, jump-off classes” said Lance.
Emily Ward, 14, was a winner in both pony and senior classes. She found the quickest route to win day’s two’s small
tour with Elite K, and topped another two classes in the Pony European Trials with Wizard VIII.
The consistent roan pony, a winner earlier in the week, topped the grand prix in a
head-to-head with Charlotte Ash and Aughnashammer. “She’s fast, careful and was
on target” said Emily.
“Some new combinations lack experience, but they improved over the weekend”
assessed selector Clare Whitaker, who noted two riders excelling in different
sections.
“Jodie Hall McAteer went well on ponies, but will concentrate on Children on
Horses, and Emily Ward is targeting the juniors.”
Jodie Hall-McAteer was unbeatable in the Children on Horses, winning every day
with Vichy, a 12-year-old bought from Eric Lamaze 12 months ago. “She’s amazing
and has plenty of jump” said Jodie, 14.
Nine competitors produced double clears around the testing two-round, Nations
Cup style competition to share first, impressing chef d’Equipe Corinne Bracken. “The standard improved again this
year, several fences in the Nations Cup style two rounds were at 1.40m” said Corinne, “and Jodie was outstanding.”
Louise Whitaker headed the Gold Tour Grand Prix with Mandy Hall’s Cuata, a seven-year-old she has ridden for 12
months. “She’s a nice one, fresh but easy” said Louise.
Bryony Ward fast opening round seized the Silver Tour Grand Prix on Elizabeth Hudson’s Randi sired 13-year-old
Midnight Man II. “He can be tricky, but he’s teaching me a lot over bigger tracks” said Bryony, 20, a young rider
benefitting from the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme.
Olivia Gent topped the six-year-old grand prix on the consistent Canturo Spirit, Hickstead’s five-year-old champion
last year and bought 18 months ago from Carron Nicol. “We weren’t looking to buy a four-year-old but spotted her
and liked her” said Olivia, who runs a livery and competition yard in Hampshire with partner Ben Bick.
Ben claimed first and second in the Five-year-old the following day on Warriors Gold and Rumors Cascari. “He’s
careful, brave with a good future” said Ben on the British-bred Warriors Gold, by Warrior and bred by Brendon Stud,
and bought 18 months ago.
For Full results please click here