Day two round-up from Cirencester Park

Day two saw the return of Advanced classes to Cirencester Park – almost fifty years since Lucinda Green and Be Fair won the competition at the Midland Bank Open Championship back in the early 1970s.

That was undoubtedly an exciting time in Lucinda’s career, showing promise of the extraordinary things to come, and there were plenty of eye-catching performances from combinations today who will be hoping they can go on to emulate some of that incredible success.

Kitty King and Cristal Fontaine followed up on their superb CCI4*S win at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials a couple of weeks ago with a win in Advanced Section K. This lovely 9-year-old gelding, owned by Camilla and Alex Wakeley, just keeps developing and looks a real star for the future.

“I was over the moon with Cristal Fontaine’s win today,” said Kitty. “He was fantastic in all three phases and gave me a wonderful ride cross country.

“To be able to come out here and win after his great performance a fortnight ago, really shows what a consistent performer he is. It was lovely to be able to run the horses on such good ground, with all three feeling in great form.”

Tom Jackson had two horses in the top five of that same CCI4*S Section at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, and both progressed to great results here at Cirencester. The Jewson’s mare, Billy Cuckoo finished on her dressage score (28.1) to take the honours in Advanced Section I and Capels Hollow Drift finished second in Advanced Section J.

“We are delighted with Billy Cuckoo,” said Tom. “She has had a great start to the season with a good result at Burnham Market as well. Her aim is to go to Luhmuhlen and we are hoping she can continue with her recent form.”

That section was won by Alexander Bragg with another very promising mare, Quindiva. The only combination in their Section to avoid time faults on the cross country, their bold and speedy performance was rewarded with the Section J win.

“Quindiva did a very professional job today,” said Alex. “Her dressage test was mistake free and she made light work of the jumping phases. The ground was good to gallop on and I’m thrilled that we have Cirencester in the Eventing calendar.”

In the Advanced Under 25, it was a fantastic day for Bubby Upton who filled three of the top six places. She finished third with Cannavaro and sixth with Magic Roundabout IV but the performance of the day came with her old friend, Cola III. A super performance from start to finish saw them finish on their dressage score of 30.1 to take the win.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with how all three of my horses performed,” said Bubby. “It was great to secure the win and to have all three of them in the Top 10. I was so proud of how they all jumped, as I’ve been working hard on the show jumping over the winter. It was also very special as it was Magic Roundabout’s first Advanced, so it was extremely exciting how easily he made the step up.

“I thought the show jumping and cross country courses were really good and rewarded correct riding and accuracy. It was so nice to compete at Cirencester Park for the first time. What an incredible venue it is and with the rain we had it made the ground perfect for Saturday. I’m very much looking forward to returning next year.”

The International classes were also decided today; with Amelia Walker and Dassett Eventing’s extremely promising young horse, Dassett Rock Star, coming out on top of the hotly contested CCIS 2*. The combination led from start to finish, following up an impressive dressage test with clears across the board.

“The Dassett Eventing team put a huge amount into producing the young sales horses, so we are all absolutely delighted with Dassett Rock Star’s win,” said Amelia. “He’s been a successful horse throughout his career and it’s great to carry this through to international level too. I’m very proud of him! Thank you to everyone at Musketeer and Cirencester Park, for putting on such a great event!”

Amelia and Dassett Rock Star in action and receiving her prizes from The Countess Bathurst (left) and President of the CCIS 2* Ground Jury, Linda Waller (right).

In the CCIS 2* Section M for ponies, the win went to Ellie Martindale and Little Indian Feather. The combination looked strong from start to finish, completing on their dressage score to finish just ahead of Anna Price and Black Jacko in second.

Full results from Day Two:

AU25 (Section H)
Bubby Upton and Cola III (30.1)

Advanced (Section I)
Tom Jackson and Billy Cuckoo (28.1)

Advanced (Section J)
Alexander Bragg and Quindiva (30.7)

Advanced (Section K)
Kitty King and Cristal Fontaine (26.3)

CCI-S 2* (Section L)
Amelia Walker and Dassett Rock Star (26.4)

CCI-2* Ponies (Section M)
Ellie Martindale and Little Indian Feather (31.1)