Bella Innes Ker and Carolyn jump to the top at Blenheim Palace Photo courtesy Adam Fanthorpe
Young British talent Bella Innes Ker pulled off the first major victory of her career in the CCI3* class at SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials last weekend
Riding the 14-year-old mare Carolyn, who belongs to her mother, the Duchess of Roxburghe, Bella took the lead after dressage and held on to it, despite lowering one show jump.
“I was speechless yesterday [after cross-country] – but this really is a dream come true,” said the 24-year-old. “Carolyn has done her best all week. It’s all down to her – she’s one in a million.”
Second was William Fox-Pitt, who has won so many medals for Britain over the years, on nine-year-old Oratorio, who finished on a score of 28.7, just 0.3 of a penalty behind Bella.
“It’s my lucky day!” said William. “I came here hopeful of a good result and was a bit disappointed after dressage. He was lovely across country and to finish second is a lovely surprise. He’s class; you can work with him, he tries hard and he’s a fighter.”
Alexander Bragg and Zagreb made amends for a fall across country at Burghley with third place at SsangYong Blenheim Palace, show jumping clear to finish on their dressage score of 29.6.
“Our aim was the top three – job done!” said Alexander.
Selina Milnes was delighted to finish fourth on the exciting Iron IV – they were one of six competitors in the 101-strong class to complete on their dressage score.
Kitty King took fifth place on Vendredi Biats, while Pippa Funnell dropped from second to sixth with one show jump down on MGH Grafton Street.
Laura Collett triumphed in the CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-old horses, finishing first on London 52, owned by Karen Bartlett and Keith Scott, and third on Diana Chappell’s Dacapo.
Alongside the international action, there was a third day of competition in the Dodson & Horrell Eventer Challenge classes. The overall winner of the 100cm class was Catherine Shine, riding Opium Mill, while Louise Le Geyt took the 90cm section aboard Quarter Of.
Event Director Mandy Hervieu said: “We have had four fantastic days of competition and entertainment at SsangYong Blenheim Palace. We have enjoyed wonderful weather, which has attracted bumper crowds, and we are very grateful to SsangYong and all our sponsors, to our officials, to the riders, owners and grooms, and to our exceptional team of volunteers for making our 2018 event so special.”
