Susie Berry and wild Atlantic Way Triumph in Arena Saddles CCI2*-S at Thoresby park
Ireland’s Susie Berry, riding Amanda Varley’s Wild Atlantic Way, clinched victory in the Arena saddles CCI2*-S at Thoresby Park in Great Britain after a flawless performance, finishing on their dressage score of 29.1. Less than a second separated the top contenders in a closely fought competition. Simultaneously occurring, Great britain’s top Olympic eventing stars are battling it out in the Lycetts grantham Cup CCI4*-S, setting the stage for fierce competition.
Berry and Wild Atlantic Way Achieve Third Consecutive CCI2* Win
Berry expressed her delight with Wild Atlantic Way’s performance, marking their third consecutive CCI2* victory, following wins at Bicton and Lincoln. “he was amazing,” Berry said. ”He is a real professional and he really wants to win as much as we want to win.” Berry added the event served as ideal readiness as the horse is moving up a level next time. she also lauded the course flow and ground conditions.
Kevin McNab and Quality Time Secure Second Place
Australian Olympian Kevin McNab, riding Sophie Rennison’s Quality Time, finished in a close second. Despite an remarkable dressage score of 27.9, 1.6 time penalties in showjumping resulted in a final score of 29.5.
Lucinda Atkinson Completes Top Three
British rider Lucinda Atkinson, aboard PRF Made In England, owned by the rider, Amanda rowe, and Dr. Jane Crossley, secured third place. They finished on their dressage score of 29.9 demonstrating how influential the showjumping phase proved to be.
Event Director Praises Course and Ground Conditions
Stuart Buntine,Event Director and course designer,noted the positive impact of the course design on the horses’ confidence. He emphasized the excellent ground conditions, stating, “The ground has been spot on, which we’re really pleased about.”
Lycetts Grantham Cup Sees Olympic Stars Battle
In the Lycetts Grantham cup CCI4*-S, Great Britain’s Olympic stars are in a tight race. Ros Canter currently leads with Lordships graffalo after dressage,scoring 24.3. Laura Collett and London 52 trail closely behind with a score of 24.4.
Canter Pleased With Lordships Graffalo‘s Performance
Canter was very pleased with Lordships Graffalo’s performance, commenting, “I’m really delighted with Lordships Graffalo today, he came out very professional and relaxed.” The rider added that no plans have been made beyond Badminton at this moment.
Collett content with London 52
Laura collett said of her 24.4 test: “ I’m really pleased with him – he was a good boy because he can be a bit fresh at this time of the year, so to have perfect ground he was very happy about doing his test on grass today, he normally saves his nice stuff for surfaces so it was quite nice.”
British Riders Dominate Dressage at Thoresby Park International Event
THORESBY PARK, UK – British riders have seized the lead in multiple classes after the dressage phase at the Thoresby Park International Event. World Champion Yasmin Ingham leads the rathbones CCI3*-S, while Piggy March holds the top spot in the prestigious Advanced Grantham Cup. Gemma Stevens heads the BEDE Events CCI4*-S.
Piggy March and Coolparks Sarco Lead Advanced Grantham Cup
Piggy March, riding Coolparks Sarco, leads the Advanced Grantham Cup with a score of 23.8.March expressed her delight with the horse, acknowledging his exceptional quality and her privilege to ride him.
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are in second place with a score of 24.5, closely followed by Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno III on 24.6.
Emily King and Valmy Biats, winners of the Grantham Cup in both 2023 and 2024, are poised to challenge in Saturday’s show jumping phase.Their strong jumping record keeps them in contention for a historic hat-trick.
Gemma Stevens Leads BEDE events CCI4*-S
Gemma Stevens riding Flash Cooley, currently leads the BEDE Events CCI4*-S with a score of 26. Stevens expressed her satisfaction with Flash Cooley’s performance, especially after his return to this level following a year off.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with his test today, I really couldn’t have asked for more. it’s so nice to have him back at this level after his year off and feeling so good,” Stevens said.
Yasmin Ingham Takes Commanding Lead in Rathbones CCI3*-S
Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham has taken a commanding lead in the Rathbones CCI3*-S, riding Gypsie Du Loir.Their score of 22.6 puts them more than four penalties ahead of Sammi Birch and Parkfield Artie Blou, who scored 27.2.
Looking Ahead
Saturday will feature the jumping phases for the CCI4*-S and Advanced classes, along with numerous Intermediate sections.Spectators can enjoy a range of activities,including international hobby horsing and gun dog displays.
Susie Berry and Wild Atlantic Way Triumph at Thoresby Park: Q&A
Q&A Time!
Q: Who won the Arena Saddles CCI2*-S at thoresby Park?
A: Ireland’s Susie Berry, riding Wild Atlantic Way, secured the victory with a flawless dressage performance.
Q: What was critically important about Wild Atlantic Way’s win?
A: This was their third consecutive CCI2* win, showcasing their consistency and skill. Fun fact: The horse is now moving up a level, showing how well they are progressing!
Q: Who came in second place?
A: Australian olympian Kevin McNab, riding Quality Time, finished a close second.
Q: How did showjumping affect the results?
A: Kevin McNab had a great dressage score but incurred time penalties in showjumping, affecting his final score and position.
Q: Who was the Event Director and what did they say?
A: stuart buntine, the Event Director, praised the course design’s positive impact on the horses’ confidence and the excellent ground conditions.
Q: What other major event was happening at Thoresby Park?
A: The Lycetts grantham Cup CCI4*-S, featuring top Olympic eventing stars, took place together.
Q: Who was leading the Advanced Grantham Cup after dressage?
A: Piggy March, riding Coolparks Sarco, led the Advanced Grantham Cup.
Q: Who was leading the BEDE Events CCI4*-S?
A: Gemma Stevens, riding Flash Cooley, was leading the BEDE Events CCI4*-S.
Q: Who was leading the Rathbones CCI3*-S?
A: Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, riding Gypsie Du Loir, held a commanding lead in the Rathbones CCI3*-S.
Q: What is on the schedule for Saturday?
A: Saturday featured the jumping phases for the CCI4*-S and Advanced classes, along with numerous Intermediate sections, plus activities like international hobby horsing and gun dog displays.
Want to learn more about eventing? Keep an eye out for updates on these exciting competitions!
