Becky's birthday bonanza

Becky Moody celebrates her birthday with wins in the grand prix and the special, while Ireland’s Abi Lyle scores a personal best with Giraldo

- HELEN TRIGGS

HOME-BRED Jagerbomb (Dante Weltino x Jazz) gets better all the time and delivered a personal best of 76.19% to win the grand prix special.

The 10-year-old gelding and rider Becky Moody have gained many plaudits recently for Becky’s sympathetic riding and Bomb’s correct way of going. Becky has struggled with Bomb’s energy levels in the past but at Addington he brought enthusiasm and athleticism to both his tests.

“It was a step up from his performance in Lier two weeks ago,” said Becky. “The passage is improving all the time and that helps the transitions. He’s still relatively new to the level and did only half a dozen grand prix tests last year. I’m working on creeping the marks up to 77 or 78% – although long-term I want 80%!

“He has a beautiful frame and a very nice mouth, which makes it easy for me to train him. He has a heart of gold and I think he enjoys competing.”

IRISH DELIGHT

ABI LYLE made the Irish contingent very happy with a win in the grand prix freestyle on her own Giraldo (Harmony’s Rousseau x Flemmingh) with the pair having the Irish national anthem played for them for the first time.

“He was a little hot so I had to be careful with certain movements – he has so much energy. I think that was the cleanest freestyle he’s done,” said Abi, who was also third in the grand prix.

Abi and Giraldo rocked the arena with a punchy techno mix programme featuring Emeli Sandé and Kate Bush.