The Eventing Spring Carnival

SUN SHINES ON THE EVENTING SPRING CARNIVAL

WITH the who’s who of the eventing world in action at the inaugural ‘The Eventing Spring Carnival’ on the magnificent Thoresby Estate, in Nottinghamshire, there was top class action over the three days.

‘Warner Hotels Day’ dawned on Fridaywith three novice sections, the CCI-2*S and the Intermediate all coming to a fitting finale.

Novice Sections went to Saffron Creswell on Vivendi Hero, Gemma Tattersall and Chilli King, and Heidi Cloy with Clonshire on Trend after superb performances over the picturesque park land.

The stunning grey, ‘De Pleasure’ and Eliza Stoddart continued their winning ways when heading the CCI-2*S, much to the delight of all connections.

A brilliant effort in the dressage saw Ricky Hilton and Bank C IV take the honours in Intermediate Section E, over Emily Walker and Piggy March who started their Eventing Spring Carnival campaign with great results. Competitors praised Stuart Buntine’s courses and also the superb old turf of the Thoresby Estate.

The new walled garden dressage arenas proved a huge hit, while the main international show jumping arena had horses jumping on their best form thanks to superb going. ‘Investec Saturday’ arrived to bright sunshine with competitors and spectators set for a busy day across Open Intermediate, Open Intermediate Under 21 and CCI-3*S sections. Gemma Tattersall’s fantastic form continued with a vengeance, the busy rider triumphing in two Open Intermediate sections with ‘Flash Cooley’ and ‘Johan-Some’.

It was the turn of Anya Strilkawski and ‘K’ in the Under 21 section, just holding off Ellie Fredericks and ‘Pure Trendsetter’.

Felicity Collins and ‘Go Fly’ were also on great form when securing Open Intermediate Section I.

10-year-old ‘Hollywood Dancer’ and Dani Evans fought off a two-pronged challenge from Oliver Townend when

Anya photo by Athalens

heading the Investec CCI-3*S for owner Ann Butler. Bristol-based, Dani said: “I knew she had a good win in her and she was on great form today.The plan is to get a 3* long run with her before moving up to a 4* short. Thoresby is an amazing venue and we are very fortunate to be here. The event is so well presented

Eliza Stoddart and De Pleasure photo by Athalens

Heidi Coy and Halenza photo by Athalens

and as riders we couldn’t ask for a more superb event.”

‘Lycetts Sunday’ saw competitors all set for the Lycetts Grantham Cup CCI-4*S and two Lycetts Advanced sections, with major spoils to compete for.

In Advanced Under 25 Section, it was Heidi Coy and ‘Halenza’ who just pipped a busy Bubby Upton by the narrowest of margins.

Bubby had great runs on the chestnut ‘Billy Liffy’ and ‘Magic Roundabout IV’, to take home second and third spots.

Said Heidi: “What a fantastic event and a great venue for her first big win. I really enjoyed the cross-country; there were enough challenges, and the ground was excellent.”

Advanced Section K provided a good win for Arthur Duffort and ‘Toronto DAurois’ over Sarah Bullimore and Tina Cook, who were both on great form with ‘Corquet’ and ‘Billy The Red’. Said Arthur: “We are on the wait list for Badminton, and our win has set us up well for the season. It is a beautiful event and a great addition to the calendar.”

The final section of the event was the Lycetts supported CCI-4*S which went to Piggy March and ‘Brookfield Innocent’, who made the crosscountry look easy throughout.

In form, Bubby Upton and Cola III took the runner up spot from Laura Collette and ‘London 52.

Said Piggy: “I really enjoyed the run, we are entered at Burham, but he has had a great run today so we will see how things go before Badminton. He is a naturally fast horse and it was great to let him run on the superb going.”

After a fantastic three days, Bubby was again in the winner’s enclosure when finishing joint leader in the Animalintex Leading Rider Award with Gemma Tattersall, rounding off a truly fantastic new addition to the eventing calendar.

Piggy March and Brookfield Innocent photo by Athalens