Grand Prix showdown just what the crowds wanted

Carrying £6000 to the winner and with a field of 27 starters – including previous winners, some well-known names, a former Olympian and some in-form partnerships – it was no surprise to see course designer, Mark McGowan, build what many described as a true grand prix track with few ‘easy’ fences and plenty of questions from related lines and angles to big power fences right through to the last line.

Adding some extra buzz were two new fences to this show, a set of planks and a huge filler both of which had pictures of different breeds of cattle on and which quite a few horses to an instant dislike to.

Helen Tredwell opened on Sebastian VII who took exception to the cattle fence and retired; Julie Andrews then dared Wilando B at them and cleared the fence amidst a huge cheer from the crowd who now realised how difficult this and the other fences would be and proceeded to get behind every competitor adding a great atmosphere throughout.

Seventh in, Keith Shore brought Mystic Hurricane forward to ride a copybook round. Mystic Hurricane twisted slightly over the cows, but never looked in any fear of faulting, easily popping over the last, a fabulous new Forth Road Bridge fence to finish just five hundredths of a second inside the time but crucially with the first clear.

There followed faults, retirals and eliminations, an interesting round from Tim Page on Duc D’Arsouilles, which just rubbed one fence but recovered well when the planks blew down on his approach and some really unlucky riders who managed clear until the last line where a big combination caught out a few.

The crowd had to wait another 12 horses before they could cheer for another clear which came courtesy of Olympian Tim Stockdale on the big jumping chestnut mare, Miss Fritz, albeit with one added time fault.

Last in, Pippa Allen on Hope Springs also left the fences standing but added a time fault with both she and Tim just over a half-a-second outside the time allowed.

Going through to the jump-off with the three clears was Robert Maguire on Anastacia Van De Helle and Jonathan Dixon with Continio, which had both hit the last part of the combination.

Jonathan opened but a rub at an early fence saw him move on to try to post a fast time at the expense of another fence and eventual fifth place.

Robert put some pressure on with a fast clear in 54.06s to only carry his four faults through from the first round.

Pippa jumped a superb second round on Jack McGeoch’s Hope Springs to record another jumping clear in 54.62s and putting pressure on the last two to go.

Tim never looked in any danger on Miss Fritz, which played with the fences to come home clear again in 54.08s and take the lead from Pippa.

But this was to be short lived when the man from Cheshire entered the ring. Cool, calm and looking completely unfazed Keith set off with the 14-year-old British-bred Mystic Hurricane to smoothly not only record a clear, but a winning one, in 53.71s.

This was just reward for this pair who have been travelling at home and abroad this year with five top three finishes in Grand Prix including at Balmoral, Chepstow and San Giovanni, but missing out on a win until this time.

Keith added another £1750 to his wallet for the journey home courtesy of the grey, Hermes, which finished runner up in the previous day’s International Stairway class.

There, 28 started with eight going forward to the jump-off in which no one could catch the man who proved to be on fire for the whole of the show, James Smith.

Riding a new addition to his string, Twix De La Roque, a 10-year-old grey gelding by Kannan out of a Cumano mare, James looked to be taking it easy in the jump-off as he crossed the line in 51.02s, almost a second slower than pathfinder, Helen Tredwell on Sebastian.

Alec Tricket, One to Watch and Graham Lovegrove, Cento Love, both faulted before Keith challenged on Hermes.

Taking his time and giving that last oxer some respect, he finished on 52.67s, proving how effective James’ early round had been.

Louise Whitaker was the only other clear with Ruby but was also some two seconds slower than James, so when the last two riders faulted this left James the winner of his first International Stairway class.

Formerly ridden by France’s Michel Hecart, he took over the ride at St Lo then at Reims before heading closer to home with a recent second place in the grand prix at Northcote.

James had a fantastic show, being crowned Scottish leading rider as well as overall leading rider, topping his list of achievements with the Stairway. He also headed two speed classes with Bolton Gate Ben and one with Ballyhane Etto, plus a few placings and a HOYS ticket before heading off on Sunday morning for a brief stop at home in Tongland, just outside Kirkcudbright, then onto South View.

One of the most entertaining classes held in the main area is the Andrew Black A+B Championship which starts as a speed class then ends with a chance for the top three to compete against themselves to double the prize money they won from their first round.

It was down to three very fast ladies to go head-to-head. Louise Whitaker had won the class outright with Cleopatra, Annabelle Shields was second with Wet Wet Wet and Lucy Guild third with Hugana Vant Heike, with these three going again in reverse order.

Lucy managed to knock more than four seconds from her first round time with Hugana, to throw the gauntlet down at 60.18s.

Annabelle Shields set off at high speed through the start popping the fences as if she was in a 1.1m speed class to take an almost unbelievable seven seconds from her first time, challenging last to go Louise on Cleopatra.

Cleopatra turned and galloped but her finishing time of 58.42s was some four seconds quicker than their initial winning round, meaning that Annabelle doubled her second place prize money, taking home £1800 for her effort.

Louise would be happy with her weekend which saw her stand at the top of the line in the Talent Seekers earning her a HOYS ticket.

There was 59 over Shaun Sand’s course, with five double clears for four qualifying places.

Iain Warnock had set the challenge with his own Harperland Mickey Finn clear in 42.37s from sixth draw, which was to finish third and qualify.

James Smith featured again, this time on Graham Gillespie’s Flinstering, and the time of 43.17s saw them take their ticket in fourth.

Two horses later, Louise steered Team Harmony’s Udget Du Rozel – a nine-year-old by Cero out of a Kannan mare – to set the winning time of 41.47s with this mare showing that she has gained valuable mileage by travelling to Valencia and Poland earlier this year.

Slotting into second was Lance Whitehouse, on Louise Foster’s Don Diablo, just 0.2s in arrears.

All winter riders had been battling it out to qualify for the four national finals held at the Highland where they had a chance to compete in the huge all weather arena and warm up amongst their idols.

One young man completely unfazed by the whole atmosphere and a competitor in the grand prix in previous years, Mark Turnbull, stood at the top of the line in the Andrew Hamilton foxhunter final.

A line-up of 31 came forward, with nine remaining clear and five going double clear, meaning the clock played its part in deciding the winner.

Drawn first, Gillian Anderson set the target on her home produced JJ’s Prince Chaccomo, which was in the line up of the working hunter classes last year.

Four horses later, Douglas Duffin reduced that time by 1.5s with Fiona Horne’s Moonface JX .

Stephen Lohoar had a good try with Idem Dito Van De Hemelse Breedte, as did Emma Crawford on Ferragamo L but it was from eighth draw the winner emerged.

Ashton Dakota is yet another home-bred star from Mary Turnbull, by Lupicor H out of a Corofino mare. Registered as a Scottish Sport Horse he has been produced carefully from the Ashton stud and looks to have a bright future ahead.

They not only took this title but also finished runner up in the Power and Performance B+C Final.

This time it was the turn of Jessica Hewitt to claim a title on board the Babes family’s Candela Vh Slagershof Z an eight-year-old mare, by Candillo out of a Clinton/J’Attack mare.

Based with the Babes at their yard just outside Kilmarnock, Jessica has been doing an excellent job riding a selection of the many horses they have in to compete and sell and was seen also in the line up of the young horse classes at this show.

It was good to see a true amateur winning the Aurora Hotels Classic final. Nurse Gillian only competes two horses from her West Kype base, but was in the money on both.

It was her super partner, Congeniality B, which had been sixth and third in the same class before, but which went even quicker this time to ensure a win. A silver league finalist, they have enjoyed some time abroad earlier this year before coming home to qualify and aim for this show.

In second, was another who is no stranger to this ring, Fraser Reed, who won the 148cm final a couple of years ago and was also seen jumping in the pony classes later in the show. His round with Amadora JX slotted him into second, with Annabelle Brown third of the six double clears on Sun View Star.

The Strathallan Events young masters is held in the main grass jumping arena in front of a packed crowd allowing he younger generation a chance to experience the buzz and atmosphere.

The jump-off proved tense when the first few riders all faulted at different fences and we had to wait until the penultimate rider for the first clear.

Aimee Bell’s amazing partnership with the super Cameron Poe, remaining steady and accurate to land over the last clear, with just one competitor to go.

Jordan Thompson had been travelling around the country competing at home and abroad, with some very good results on Richard Jenkinson’s Uni Stop.

Keeping his cool and just moving a little more forward than Amiee, he crossed the line a second up to take the victory.

This popular young man has worked hard to get to this level and has been lucky enough to benefit from ongoing support and training from Douglas Duffin, who is also responsible for the training of second-placed Aimee Bell.

Graham Babes made a super job of steering the lovely chestnut five-year-old Carlingford On The Rocks round to secure not only the five-year-old class but also be crowned Sport Horse champion.

Second as a four-year-old last year, this smart chestnut, by Valent out of a Sarco mare, was bred in Ireland and looks more than handy over a fence.

Duncan McFadyen rode the four-year-old winner O’Malley’s Mermaid another one to have come out of Ireland.

Juniors give a thrilling show

The junior classes always attract an audience and this year was no exception, with the crowds standing three and four deep to watch the youngest competitors battle it out.

There were 18 starters in the 128cm final in which it was left to last to go Amy Morris, on the wonderful Madonna, to decide the placings.

Having watched Fergal Holohan jump the only other double clear but also knowing that William Stewart had posted a quick four faults on Billibob Amy, she knew she couldn’t hang around too much.

Taking the tight options back to the oxer in the middle of the arena then coming outside a fence back to the double proved sensible but still fast enough when they cleared the last.

Hugging Madonna as she went through the finish, this pair – who were second here last year – had already qualified for HOYS and RIHS this season but their amazing partnership will come to an end at the end of this year when Amy will move on to concentrate on producing some 148cm ponies for the future.

A relatively new partnership with many years ahead of them stood at the head of the line up in the 138cm final.

Having watched everyone else fault, Code McGowan was under instructions to go for a clear.

Riding calmly and accurately she steered Oakhurst In The Spotlight round keeping a good pace but not taking too many risks to ride a tactical round that was to pay off when last in Jake Gibson, on Llettycrudd Cardi Bach, set off at a gallop to knock seconds off their time but at the expense of two fences.

Isla Kerr came close but again a fence fell in an otherwise quick round to settle for second with Lennon Prince.

Having to sit at the sidelines and watch last year when her other pony suffered an injury, this win was an even sweeter victory for 10-year-old Codie.

From 15 starters in the 148cm final there were just two double clears as Di Beaumont’s interesting track made them sit up and ride.

Charley Hamilton was slightly slower on the clock, with Novella leaving local rider, Sandy McLean, the victor on the HOYS qualifier, Tobar King.

Seen now riding in senior classes Sandy has a few qualified for HOYS later in the season with this lovely pure-bred Connemara, by Gunnar Mason out of a Coral Prince mare, being brought on from a novice to top level by Sandy who is trained by his mother, Marjory McNaughton, at their base at Lasswade Riding Centre.

Another Irish-bred pony stood at the head of the line-up of the Liz Fox JC/JD. Rachra Lad, ridden by Carlisle’s Charlotte Thomlinson and owned by her father, Nigel Springer, showed how it should be done taking the inside turn to the oxer before turning tight back to the upright before the double then daring this dapple grey to the last to stay in front of runner-up Rebecca Bowden, on Norbet.

Just a seven-year-old, Charlotte has produced this pony from his four-year-old days and now has newcomers and foxhunter second rounds to look forward to.

The mini major jumped in the main arena was certainly a crowd pleaser with 128cm riders paired with seniors to fly round two separate courses at speed.

Drawn near the end, Codie McGowan drew the biggest gasp of the class when Roherwood Dinky Toy almost jumped her off but she bravely carried on to the last fence, despite not being back in the saddle clearing the last, crossing her finish line then slipping off.

Thankfully, Tim Price kept going to fly across the finish and put them into the lead.

Last in, Crista Lockhead Anderson set off kicking and encouraging Tatty Desire, landed clear and watched as Jessica Hewitt set sail with JJ’s Impressive.

A near collision with a fence as she turned tight back to another never slowed her up then a brave gallop to the final upright saw them take the class by one second with this class one of the most popular throughout the show.

Leading awards:

Ultrabed Highland Challenge – 1, Ballyhane Etto, J Smith; 2, Beseeka Red Hot Chilli Pepper, M Turnbull; 3, Zara Zing, A Black. Fiona Gillespie Memorial A+B Stakes-1, Coriander VanT Vennehof, K Shore; 2, Carnooneybridge Challenger, A Shields; 3, Continio III, J Dixon. Talent seekers – 1, Udget Du Rozel, L Whitaker; 2, Don Diablo, L Whitehouse; 3, Harperland Mickey Finn, I Warnock. Power and performance B+C final – 1, Candela VH Slagershof Z, J Hewitt; 2, Ashton Dakota, M Turnbull; 3, Ballyhane Etto. International Stairway – 1, Twix De La Roque, J Smith; 2, Hermes I, K Shore; 3, Ruby VIII, L Whitaker. Andrew Black A+B championship – 1, Cleopatra VIII, L Whitaker; 2, Wet Wet Wet, A Shields; 3, Hugana Vant Heike, L Guild. Mini major – 1, J Hewitt and C Lockhead Anderson; 2, T Page and C McGowan; 3, D Harland and F Holohan. Saltire breakfast stakes – 1, Bolton Gate Ben, J Smith; 2, Udget Du Rozel; 3, Contender B, G Burchmore – Eames. Andrew Hamilton foxhunter – 1, Ashton Dakota; 2, Moonface JX, D Duffin; 3, JJ’s Prince Chaccomo, G Anderson. Grand prix – 1, Mystic Hurricane, K Shore; 2, Miss Fritz, T Stockdale; 3, Hope Springs, P Allen. RHS accumuator – 1, Bolton Gate Ben; 2, Coriander VanT Vennehof; 3, Duc D’Arsouilles, T Page. Aurora Hotel classic final – 1, Congeniality B, G Anderson; 2, Amadora JX, F Reed; 3, Sun View Star, A Brown. Sign Co/Danny Snacks 128cm final – 1, Madonna, A Morris; 2, Harri Potter, F Holohan; 3, Billibob, W Stewart. Sign Co/Danny Snacks 138cm final – 1, Oakhurst In The Spotlight, C McGowan; 2, Lennon Prince, I Kerr; 3, Llettycrudd Cardi Bach, J Gibson. Liz Fox JC/JD – 1, Rachra Lad, C Thomlinson; 2, Norbet, R Bowden; 3, Silver Shoe, O Gillespie. Sign Co/Danny Snacks 148cm final – 1, Tobar King, S McLean; 2, Novella, C Hamilton; 3, Casino Royale, S Greig. Strathallan Events Young masters – 1, Uni Stop, J Thompson; 2, Cameron Poe, A Bell; 3, Elo II, K Frew. Four-year-old potential sports horse – 1, O’Malley’s Mermaid, D McFadyen; 2, Illuminate Van De Vallei, V Lillington; 3, Irco, K Howarth. Five-year-old potential sport horse – 1, Carlingfords On The Rocks, G Babes; 2, Happy Talk, S Low – Mitchell; 3, Ma Fleur JS, J Hewitt.