Irishman dominates on day one at Bolesworth CSI4* [VIDEO]
Horse & Hound's coverage of Ashford Farm CSI4* Bolesworth International (18-21 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com
Ireland’s Dermott Lennon got proceedings off to a flying start by taking the CSI4* AGA 1.50m on day one at the spectacular Ashford Farm Bolesworth International CSI4* (Thursday, 18 June).
Drawn 26th to go out of a 55-strong class, Dermott set the pace with Judith Sossick’s Loughview Lou-Lou with a time of 60.13 seconds, that deemed unbeatable.
The combination were visiting on the back of their Royal Windsor triumph in the CSI3* grand prix.
“She’s been jumping really well at the moment and is not usually fazed by these kind of atmospheres,” said Dermott of the 13-year-old mare.
“Bolesworth has a stunning setting and the arena rides well and the course produced plenty of angles and turns to think about.”
Nicole Pavitt took the runner-up spot with Virginia Quine’s Victor Blue, just 1.55 seconds slower and USA’s Laura Kraut in third.
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Brits took the honours in the morning classes, the CSI4* went the way of Laura Renwick and Beluga and Louise Saywell scooped the following CSI2* with the 14-year-old stallion Mr Darcy.
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Seventeen-year-old Emma Shingles impressed in the 1.20m amateur stakes, the final jumping class of the day, taking the top spot with nine-year-old Torino, a horse previously competed by Michael Duffy.
“I knew I could go for it and trust him. He’s not the most experienced but has competed at Hickstead with Michael. This is my first year in horses,” said Emma, who trains with Duncan Inglis and is currently studying for her AS levels.
“I am planning on going to university but want to keep on competing as well, I am taking a gap year to concentrate on horses,” she added.
On her first visit to the Cheshire venue, 25-year-old Harriet Nuttall recorded a four-star 1.40m win with Silver Lift. She was also one of the 19 clears in the CSI4* 1.50m class with her father Rupert Nuttall’s A Touch Imperious, a 11-year-old Irish gelding by Touchdown
“Silver Lift is a quick horse and has won a lot for me recently, he is on good form,” said Harriet of the part-thoroughbred, with whom she will head to Hickstead next week for the Speed Derby following their second place last year.
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