Amateurs and veterans do battle at Arena UK

Former jockey Leesa Long won the Horsebox Insurance 1.10m Grand Prix with her Hickstead winner Anarnie, at Arena UK’s THB British Equestrian Amateur/Veteran Championships.

Former top pony rider Louise Saywell took first and third spots in the Trainer Liability 1.20m Grand Prix with Quinto III and Omar V. Caroline Healey was second with Steven Barnes’s eight-year-old Irish-bred gelding, Collooney.

Rachel Holden produced the only treble clear to take the Event Cancellation 1m Grand Prix with her own Rendriks I, ahead of the fastest four-faulter Camilla Robinson with A Wise Chance.

Lori Hanon’s fears about being drawn in the Equestrian Establishment 90cm Grand Prix proved unfounded when she won the class on her father Sean’s Concordedor. Only two others stayed clear: second-drawn Hayley Chamberlain, with Bountoobee, and Emma Boynton, riding Jeepster, who finished second and third respectively.

Former Queen’s Cup winner Sue Pountain was back in the big time, dominating the veteran classes by taking first place in the Personal Accident Minor Veteran (Harlequin’s Son) and Personal Lines Major Veteran Grands Prix (Goldfinger).

Read this report in full with pictures in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (21 December), plus reports from Merrist Wood, Badgworth, Neeroeteren CSI. Longwood EC, Rodbaston, Moorhouse and South View

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