Kennedy Tops Young Riders

Young riders impress, Andrew James gallops to glory despite a detour and long-listed stars hit top form

- Penny Richardson

ALEX KENNEDY made the most of her first visit to Blackwater Farm by riding Lissangle Cavaletto B to victory in the young riders’ advanced intermediate (AI) class. This section was scheduled originally as an open intermediate (OI), but with the blessing of British Eventing (BE), the organisers upgraded it. The decision proved correct, as all 14 long-listed partnerships arrived to test their form before the European Championships in Millstreet, Ireland, later this month.

None of the starters in the earlier classes could get inside the cross-country time, but the young riders made it looked easy. Sam Ecroyd (Tullaher Sunrise) and Felicity Collins (RSH Contend Or) both added no cross-country penalties, but a show jumping pole down apiece meant that they had to settle for second and third spots. Meanwhile, Alex Kennedy was only one second outside the time, but her clear show jumping round lifted her into first place.

Alex acquired the 12-year-old Irish-bred gelding 18 months ago from Sophie Damment, who produced him to two-star level.