THE Show Jumper of the Year 2017 final held at Port Royal last week saw “an electric atmosphere” and an arena packed with spectators.
The competition - described as the most prestigious title on the unaffiliated circuit - attracts hundreds of riders through the year trying to qualify. The final itself is held over three rounds.
In the senior final, just 12 combinations went through to the final round. The pressure was showing as one by one poles fell, so the last to go only had to go clear to win.
Michelle Bainbridge, managing director at Port Royal, said: “You could have heard a pin drop as Frankie Parker set off on Beau.
“Most of the crowd rode every fence with her, especially her dad, and as she cleared the last fence the roar went up – they took the title in great style having jumped three clear rounds to beat the rest.”
Last year’s champion Charlotte Clarke took third and hopes to be back next year on 17-year-old Mr Finnegan to try and regain her trophy.
In the junior final, the pace was blistering from the start. The ponies made the course look easy and the clear rounds came thick and fast. Time was the deciding factor - and with three clear rounds and a 2.77 second lead, last year’s champion Ellie Sedgwick and Peachy took the win for the second year running to a huge round of applause.
Michelle added: “What a fantastic competition. The atmosphere was electric. You could see the passion and concentration in every rider’s face as they passed the judges.
“The finals are a culmination of a successful summer season and always leave the team on a high – it’s great to be able to offer such a prestigious event and great prizes to the unaffiliated riders.”
The results were as follows:
Juniors
1st – Ellie Sedgwick and Peachy
2nd – Eleanor Cropley and Henry
3rd – Jasmine Greenwood and Tangle Twister
Seniors
1st – Frankie Parker and Beau
2nd – Melissa Stapley and
Just William
3rd – Charlotte Clarke & Mr Finnegan
Ms Bainbridge added that they are already turning their thoughts to next year’s competition. She said: “We are very pleased to announce R&R Country as title sponsors for the year ahead. The equestrian and country store based at Hemingbrough is once again supporting this fantastic series.”
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