Izzy Taylor and Hartacker
An Eventful Life filmed all competitors on cross country at
Osberton International & Young Horse Championships - order or view videos here
Izzy Taylor galloped to success in the main BEDE CCI3*-L section at Osberton International at Thoresby Park, a first time venue event and one that met with great approval from riders and their support teams.
The Oxfordshire-rider and Hartacker battled to the end with a superb clear in the final day's showjumping phase. The pair have racked up second, third, fourth and fifth places at the small number of events they have competed at in this unusual year of British Eventing but they pulled off the big one just before the end of the season
“He is a very exciting young horse and he just ate up the cross-country" said Izzy of the Italian bred eight-year-old gelding "He is very classy and good in all three phases. I have had a fantastic time here and really enjoyed the cross-country which was a proper track. With the weather and ground, it has been testing but he has learned a lot for the future.”
It came down to the wire but Izzy maintained her lead over Piggy French and Sportsfield Topnotch, who also jumped clear for second place
"He is a beautiful horse and has everything for five star level, he just needed time to grow into himself and is definitely one of my favourites" says Piggy
Eighteen-year-old Oliver Jackson and Viktor Krum showed their class and potential to claim third against stiff competition while New Zealand's James Avery took fourth place riding Sportsfield Lord Livesey
Sian Davies-Cooke and Intentie W
Flintshire’s Sian Davies-Cooke and Intentie W were in triumphant mood in the BEDE CCI2*-L when taking the lead just ahead of young rider Serena Kullich.
It was one of the biggest wins for Sian and the talented seven-year-old bay, who shows all the promise of going much further in the sport.
“What a brilliant day" said Sian of the win "Jane Davies and I own the horse and it is her birthday today, so a very special occasion for everyone involved.
“We bought Intentie as a five-year-old from Holland and he was really consistent in all phases, starting with a really lovely dressage test, super cross-country and clear in the showjumping, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
In second place, 20-year-old Serena Kullich and Cognac Des Iris were at just their fourth event together, the Surrey rider having bought the eight-year-old from France last year.
“He is such a star, I am aiming for young riders with him and this weekend he showed so much talent the future is very exciting" said Serena "He just made it feel easy and we have really got to know each other here at Thoresberton.”
Overnight leader, Jamie-Lee Day fell to third after an unlucky pole at the last but the Bristol-based rider remained delighted with the result and praised her ride, Hanleen Didjeridoo.
“I have really enjoyed the brilliant venue at Thoresby Park and the organisers did a fantastic job simply to run. Yes it was disappointing to have the last fence down but he has finished full of beans and I have had a great time.”
