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Thursday saw the start of the South of England Show in Ardingly, West Sussex and the next episode of the 2016 Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Qualifiers.

Under blue skies, a fascinated crowd looked on as the sixty strong field began the fight to claim one of the three qualification places available for the Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship Final which will be held at this year’s Horse of the Year Show.

With twenty-three combinations still in contention after producing a clear in the first round, the tension was palpable as the jump off commenced. Competitor and spectators alike were kept on the edge of their seats as eleven combinations held their nerve to successfully produce a second clear round; it was then down to the all-important clock to decide the order of the top three.

First place went to Louise Pavitt from Horsham, West Sussex as she produced a superior round on board Caroline Breen’s 7 year-old bay gelding, Hello Vivendi. As part of such a keen and talented field, this pair knew they had to deliver a superior performance to be in with a chance of a qualifying spot and that is exactly what they did! Crossing the finish line in a time of 37.70 seconds, they proved to be just too fast to beat.

Robert Whitaker from Sidcup, Kent took second place riding Shirley Light’s 7 year-old chestnut stallion, Noble Warrior. Snapping at Louise’s heels, this combination produced their double clear in 38.50 seconds to scoop up the second qualifying place.

It was Nicole Pavitt from Crawley, West Sussex who rode into third place on board Gemmarco 16, a 7 year-old bay stallion owned by Sandra Pavitt. Securing the final qualification spot of the class, this pair produced their double clear in 39.09 seconds.

*Photo courtesy of Spidge Photography