Hamlett takes centre stage
Horse & Hound|September 12, 2024
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
EMILY BEVAN
Hamlett takes centre stage

BRC NAF Five Star National Championships, Lincolnshire Showground

SARAH HAMLETT went home with a stash of prizes after the Saffron Walden Riding Club (RC) member triumphed in the senior 80 showjumping aboard Grafique Banta and was crowned overall individual champion in the senior prelim dressage with Linda Allan's 13-year-old exevent mare, Facari MG.

It was an emotional victory in the showjumping as it was Grafique Banta's final show before retirement, and it was at this event two years ago that Sarah suffered concussion following a fall from the 22-year-old part-bred Arab.

"I'm gobsmacked by this result," said Sarah, a freelance groom. "I've been dreading coming, as the fall was in the back of my mind but once we got over the first jump, I knew we could do it. I'm so happy to end her career on a high." Saffron Walden RC were also in the money in the senior prelim team event after they secured a one-point victory from Ebor Vale RC.

Another mount to make their final competition a successful one was 26-year-old Miss Moon, who won the junior 70 showjumping with Ella McGrath. The duo were members of the second-placed Three Valleys RC team, while Ella was also part of the winning quartet with her other pony, Vicky.

"It's been an amazing day, said Ella, 11. "Miss Moon's normally quite lazy, but she loves jumping and was flying round the course. She's retiring now and going back to her owner. I'm really happy to finish our partnership like this."

FABULOUS FOUR

HARRIET COUPLAND and Cillbhrid Mermaid secured their fourth individual British Riding Clubs (BRC) national title when they trounced the opposition in the mixed 105, claiming victory by 10 seconds.

This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'

Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

New pair pull off a win

A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

Lording it over the rest

Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

Smith hits flying form

A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

She's a corker

Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers

time-read
8 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

Access all areas Cavalier Centre

The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit

time-read
7 mins  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'Use it or lose it'

Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity

time-read
6 mins  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

A new way forward

Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024