Building on a successful Thursday, Emily Morris made it a winning start to Friday with her own Bean Cruising, bettering their third place in yesterday’s first round of the Equerry Horse Feed 1.00 Open. All attentions for them now turn to Saturday’s Championship. She claimed the class with an impressive four second lead over her nearest competitors, Arthur Hobby and Farah Jones, who in turn were five seconds clear of their closest rivals in this 80-strong section.
Adrian Whiteway and James Smith are proving to be the ones to watch ahead of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Grand Prix on Sunday – occupying the two top spots for the second day running, although switching places this time. Will Edwards slotted just behind into third place.
Friday’s Equitop Myoplast 1.30m Open Series line up wasn’t dissimilar to Thursday’s. Angel Tough and Callumbus lead the way once again, yesterday’s third placed Angie Thompson on Lucinda Campbell’s Zapatero sired Flint K went one better for second place, while third went to Mark Edward and Flying Tinker II, following their fifth place in the same class yesterday.
Angie Thompson continued an excellent week, taking the win in the second round of the Al Shira’aa 7YO Qualifier on another Lucinda Campbell owned horse, Donna Sion. Douglas Duffin and Imperium RJ took second place by the slimmest of margins, followed by Ronnie Jones and Interstar B in third.
Ellen Whitaker and Laura Mantel look to be the hot favourites ahead of the 6YO Championship on Sunday. Ellen and J Superstar took the win in the second round of the Windmill Farm Stud qualifier on Friday, off the back of their third place in Thursday’s first round. Director of Al Shira’aa Stables, Mohamed Al Owais, took the second spot aboard Al Shira’aa Farms’ Chalina 9 while Laura Mantel swapped Thursday’s 1-2 for a very respectable third and sixth in in 97-strong second round.
The Mini Major always provides us with a lot of fun, and this year’s competition, sponsored by Trevor Marnic Groundwork, was no different. Superheroes assemble: it was Wonderwoman, AKA Isabelle James-Wright, along with her partner in the form of the super consistent Laura Mantel, who came out on top. In hot pursuit was Isabelle’s sister, Daisy, taking second spot alongside Holly Smith. Tilly Bamford and Abi Walters jumped into third to complete the line-up.
Completing the eleven class line up, Friday also saw the first of the pony classes taking place. First up was the 148cm Grand Prix Series, sponsored by Pony of the Year Show. Tabitha Kyle and Orchids Vienna took top honours with a convincing lead over Jake Myers, with Charlotte Bevan sitting just behind in third place by a super slim margin of just 0.03 second.
Concluding the day in the Castle Arena, the Tomlinson Brothers sponsored Young Pony Series was headed by Thomas Bradburne and Derryinver Rocky. Grace Shuddall-Hughes and McFlorence wouldn’t let them get away too easily, following closely into second, leaving Bella Wild and Llwnyheywell Brave Dancer nearly 5 seconds behind, for third place.