King scoops the Jackpot

A new ride gives Emily King reason to smile, while an agriculture student and a new mum are among the other winners

- ELLIE HUGHES

The Malcolm Group Floors Castle, Roxburghshire

EMILY KING topped a competitive CCI3*-S with an exciting new ride in the shape of Vicki and Stewart Irlam’s nine-year-old Jackpot.

The Dutch-bred gelding was produced to advanced level by Polly Schwerdt and Emily took over the reins last autumn.

“He’s wise for his age,” said Emily, who managed to keep her nose in front of her partner, Sam Ecroyd, who finished second on Chapel House.

“Jackpot is a super-cool jumper and although he’s still quite green with some of the more advanced dressage movements, he’s surprised me with how much he’s learnt in such a short space of time,” added Emily.

The pair lay in second after the dressage on a score of 27.1, but shot to the top of the leaderboard when the leaders, Oliver Townend and the reigning British novice champion Finley Du Loir, failed to complete across country.

Oliver did, however, gain compensation in the CCI2*-S, when his three rides – Be Cooley (owned by John Peace and Charlotte Cole), Hialisca De Takam and Fargann Des Loges (both owned by John Peace) – occupied all three podium places.

“SHARP AND SPOOKY”

THE novice masters resulted in a win for 20-year-old agriculture student Vicky Edgar, who steered her own Ballingowan Flash to victory with a stylish double clear.

“I was quite surprised to win, as this was his first run of the season,” said Vicky, who is a student at Edinburgh University.

Vicky has produced Ballingowan Flash herself.

“He’s 11 now and is finally starting to grow up,” she said. “He’s unbelievably sharp and spooky, but he thrives on hard work and consistency.”