Ivory Strikes The Right Chord

The cream of the nation’s youngsters are displayed in a successful championships, while Jay Halim produces the round of his life to land the 69-starter grand prix

- Jennifer Donald

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, Cheshire

The Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships have been a beacon of hope for producers during this turbulent year, and riders praised Nina Barbour and her team after this year’s event proved such a success.

The star of the seven-year-old championship was the exciting British-bred Don VHP Z mare Ivory, owned by Sean Conway and Helen Ray, and ridden by Danielle Farnsworth. Ivory is a veteran of two Lanaken world championships and was the sixyear-old champion here under Matt Sampson. As well as picking up the £2,000 first prize and a share of the clear-round bonus, breeders Castell Sports Horses were rewarded for producing the best British-bred finalist.

“I can’t believe it!” said Danielle, who only took the reins seven weeks ago. “She’s had good form here so I had big boots to fill. She barely touches 16hh, but she has a massive stride and a huge character to make up for it.

“She has a lot more in the tank and I’m excited for her future.”

With gold, silver and bronze trophies for the top three, the other recipients were secondplaced Laura Robinson and Millfield Collette, another Britishbred from Sue Jagger by Cornet Obolensky, then Adrian Whiteway with stallion Chacco Volo (Chacco Blue x Carthago), owned by Deborah Cox.

Anne Bedford’s Inovation (I’m Special De Muze x Asca Z), ably piloted by Pippa Allen, headed the 16-strong consolation final.