Andrew Davies wins Classic Blue Riband championship at Scope

Andrew Davies made full use of his last draw with Hands Off in the Classic Blue Riband championship. Just seven produced initial clears to contest the jump off, and with four of the finalists producing sharp double clears, Andrew threw caution to the wind to finish 1sec ahead of Jodie Ward (Urielle II).

The Allen Family, from Stainsby Grange had plenty to celebrate on the penultimate day, as sisters Millie (Flinor Songbird) and Pippa (Tiger Lily III) became the National 128cm and under 16 champions.

Double clears in the 128cm championship proved elusive, and Millie and Flinor Songbird produced a copy book round from last draw, to win this title for the third time. “We didn’t have a bad fence,” said Millie.

Pippa Allen brought her two rides through to the jump off in the National under 16 championship, and after setting the standard with third placed Vladmir, Pippa improved on that time with Tiger Lily III to win.

The jump off for the National 138cm championship developed into a real thriller, and Katie Robertson and Cappagh Cindy curled around every wing, and jumped across the angles to clinch victory. “We knew exactly what we had to do,” said Katie.

Lizzie Aldridge and Eddies Dream scored a winning double when the pair headed a tight finish to the pony adventurer championship. The pair had won the Foxhunter Masters earlier in the week with a brilliant economical clear, and they again judged their final effort to perfection.

Pony Discovery champions earlier in the week, Fern Pickard and Romany Jane produced another all out effort to clinch a second championship win in the progressive championship. “That was an awesome round,” she said.

Another competitive pair competition received great spectator support, and it was Lynne Clibburn (Ashdale Jackpot) and Ireland’s Bertram Allen (Fountain Ranger) who were the fastest, in the Mighty & Midgets championship.

Championship results

Static Caravan Sales National 128cm. – 1, Flinor Songbird (M Allen); 2, Night Star II (Z Smith); 3, Kingsland Bluebell (R Aird). Jane Pownall National 138cm. – 1, Cappagh Cindy (K Robertson); 2, Lough Gill (B Allen); 3, Oakhurst In the Spotlight (E Curley). AJ Walter Aviation pony adventurer. – 1, Eddie’s Dream (E Aldridge); 2, Herbie’s Double Trouble (G Roadnight); 3, Trieve Midnight Express (J Cain). Smith Equestrian National under 16. – 1 & 3, Tiger Lily III & Vladmir (P Allen); 2, Cashmira (L Robinson). Independent Asset Management junior progressive. – 1, Romany Jane (F Pickard); 2, Hot Prospect II (A Brown); 3, Rebel’s Request (C Elliott). Bilton Ward Developments Midget & Mighty Masters relay. – 1, Ashdale Jackpot (L Clibburn) & Fountain Ranger (B Allen); 2eq, Vernon G (L Renwick) & Martha’s Darling (Adams) & Insultech Leonardo 59 (W Whitaker) & Emoe Jessie (E O’Dwyer). Sports Horse Classic Bue Riband Championship. – 1, Hands Off (A Davies); 2, Urielle II (J Ward); 3, Larkspur (H Tredwell).

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