RECORD entries in all classes enjoyed a terrific atmosphere and the glorious sunshine at the Guernsey Riding and Hunt Club’s annual Easter Derby Show. There was also some excellent jumping over the courses built by Barry Besnard, who was ably assisted by the newly-qualified Michael Wright, and panel judges Gail Simon and Barry Bartlett were delighted to have so many clear rounds over the testing Derby courses.
They included natural banks, cross country jumps generously loaned from the Pony Club and the club’s own colourful show jumps.
The decoration work by groundsman Len Bourgaize was also appreciated.
Young riders Sarah Jackson and Catherine Gaudion were outstanding in the smaller pony classes but the four Sophies - Burbridge, Cowley, Graham and Robilliard -will soon be hot on their heels if they keep on improving the way they are.
Rachel Hart and Roisin Hughes rode the most inspired rounds of the show when winning a class each in fine style.
Melanie Round and Tiffany Gervaize-Brazier were top contenders for the intermediate junior classes with Shelley Tostevin being a worthy winner of the open Derby on her new pony, Lockinge Daisy.
The Breban family dominated the senior classes but top honours went to Lisa Blanchard on Dalesco, who took the Senior Open Derby from Emma Dorey, who was giving Snaffles Purple Patch his first major outing of the season, and Laura Breban on Lucelli.
They all went clear over the 18-fence course and forced a jump-off which is very rare over such a long and demanding course.
Club committee members Sarah Rolph and Trevor de Garis took some time off from organising the show to place well in their respective classes with club president Jan Coomer just having one fence down in the open derby on her 21-year-old grade-A horse Ortonrigg.
Rolph and Coomer had just returned a week earlier from competing in the UK under the expert guidance of their trainer Joao Charlesworth, who will be delighted to hear of their continuing success while back in Guernsey.
Article posted on 21st April, 2007 - 12.00am
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