Teenage rider and her ‘feisty’ chestnut mare beat their senior rivals to win LGCT London opener

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Isabella Beecroft-Luckett and Dahar win the LGCT London opening class
(Image credit: Jorge Cunha/Longines Global Champions Tour)

The Longines Global Champions Tour of London (LGCT London) kicked off on Thursday (10 August) with a brilliant British win for teenage rider Isabella Beecroft-Luckett with her “feisty” chestnut mare Dahar. The 15-year-old racked up a string of top placings at the show last year, but said it “felt amazing” to claim a winner’s rug and lead the lap of honour for the opening CSI2* 1.15mIG Equine Boutique two-phase.

Drawn late with the second of her two rides, Isabella steered the mare accurately round the tight bends and forward down the lines during the final section, just holding to the final oxer to nip home a whisker – 0.03sec to be precise – in front of long-time leader Tara Dow-Rein of Canada riding Hokyra Fortuna.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.