Silver medals for British juniors

The Accenture British junior show jumping team of Gemma Plumley (Continue B), Louise Pavitt (Mulligan), Ellen Whitaker (Kanselier) and James Billington (Ashley) won the silver medal in the team event at last week’s Junior European Championships in Sanremo, Italy.

Switzerland took team gold with strong performances to finish on 13 faults, just three faults ahead of Britain. James Billington proved himself the team’s anchorman when he produced a superb double clear with Michael Whitaker’s Ashley.

Germany and France both finished on 28 faults, but, in the jump off to decide the final medal placing, Germany proved faster against the clock to claim bronze.

The individual championship saw German rider, Julia Brauweiler (Buddelei Jet Set) take gold from Switzerland’s Faye Schoch (Tequi D’I Ch). Beatrice Patrese from Italy won the Bronze Medal with Fanix De Rolle. Great Britain’s James Billington and Tim Gredley just missed out on the final medal position, finishing in equal fourth position with 12 faults.

Funnell in fantastic form

William Funnell landed himself the £15,000 first prize in the prestigious H&M Derby at Falsterbo Horse Show and went on to win the Leading Rider of the Show prize last weekend.

Cortaflex Mondriaan and William took the honours in the Derby by jumping the only double clear round of the competition. American Candice King was second with Fredrik Gustafsson from Sweden in third.

If William goes on to win the Hickstead Derby with Cortaflex Mondriaan in August he will get the £50,000 H&M Derby bonus.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.