Nettex Thoroughbred Championships

The second running of the Thoroughbred Associated Championships, sponsored by Nettex, took place last Sunday (14 - 15 September) at Vale View Equestrian in Leicestershire.

The Championships, which are designed for all Thoroughbred horses including those who’ve never raced, saw dozens of representatives forward to vie for the five national titles on offer, at levels from Intro to Medium.

Event rider Emma Beresford took home the Elementary title with her 15-year-old gelding, Prince Keel (pictured). Emma (27) who has evented successfully up to 2* level, and interestingly in 2015 had a spell riding Andalusian horses in a travelling circus, scored 69.83%.

“Prince Keel, 2018 Nettex Thoroughbred Championships Elementary Champion,” said Emma on Facebook. “Thank you to class sponsors Nettex for a great champs and lovely goodie bags of prizes.

“[I] Love this horse so much, after a mystery field injury three weeks ago we were only sure he was sound and going to make it to the champs on Monday and after hurting my back yesterday we nearly didn't! Sitting trot was torturous!

“Thank you so much to my wonderful vet Tim Beauregard and physio Rachael. He made it and I'm so glad he did! He also went on to take third in the Medium. I'm so lucky to have a fantastic support team.”

The Intro title went to Pat Clayton (64) from Spalding in Lincolnshire with her 12-year-old gelding Budsson. The pair earned a score of 70.87%. Trained by BD’s para director Julie Frizzell, of Dressage Coaching UK, who took to Facebook to say; “[I’m] Bursting with pride. Pat Clayton, who I’ve had the absolute pleasure to coach for several years now, with her amazing Buddy, [their] first affiliated ever and this happens. No greater honour than to be entrusted with coaching and developing talent - no matter what our age or challenges.

“A huge told you so moment and this really could not have happened to a nicer, more deserving, humble and giving person.”

The Prelim title was won by Janine Robertson (34) from Reading and Bijou Lucy. Janine and her six-year-old mare scored 68.65%. The pair has been competing affiliated for less than a year, with just eight competition starts so far.

Leicestershire rider Katy Ferrari (40) and her 10-year-old gelding Sirius Chesnut triumphed at Novice, scoring 69.17%. The combination started competing at Novice last year, achieving scores of up to 73% whilst Steph Cason (29) from Newmarket in Suffolk took Medium honours with the 14-year-old gelding Harland on 66.22%. The pair has been competing together for four years now and was placed second at Medium in the Petplan Equine Area Festival at Brook Farm in Essex earlier this year.

British Dressage thanks the team at Vale View for a successful Championship event as well as title sponsor Nettex for their generous support of the Associated Championship series.

Nettex Thoroughbred Associated Championships Roll of Honour
Intro
Pat Clayton with Budsson, 70.87%

Prelim
Janine Robertson with Bijou Lucy, 68.65%

Novice
Katy Ferrari with Sirius Chestnut, 69.17%

Elementary
Emma Beresford with Prince Keel, 69.83%

Medium
Steph Cason with Harland, 66.22%