Lincoln JumpCross Eventer's Challenge 2011
TOP riders from all over the country converged on Grange Farm, Wittering to compete in this year’s Lincoln JumpCross Eventer’s Challenge.
With a £3,000 first prize at stake kindly donated by Lincoln, and good money down the line to provide a £8,500 prize fund, the field included eventing stars Mark and Tanya Kyle, Oliver Townend, Piggy French, Matthew Wright and Jeanette Brakewell.
In a close run competition, it was a repeat performance for Mark Kyle and the talented grey, 12-year-old, Step In Time to head the competition over Robin Dunlop’s well designed track that featured water crossings, combinations and a joker fence allowing riders to improve their score at the very end of the round.
Said Mark: “It was a great competition and a wonderful day. Having won last year it was brilliant that we were able to repeat our success and take home the excellent prize money.
“I really enjoyed the event, the course was well designed and Step In Time is an excellent jumper so this type of competition really suits him.”
Riders took part in a two round competition, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with the scores from both rounds combining together to determine the winners.
Jo Chipperfield riding the 10-year-old grade B show jumper, On Your Marks finished second after two very pleasing clear rounds. This was Jo’s third year competing aid the Lincoln JumpCross Challenge and this time she managed to scoop the £2,250 second place prize.
Jeanette Brakewell and the 10-year-old chestnut gelding Hope Cove owned by Liz Golby put in a good performance to finish third picking up £1,500 in prize money.
Robin Dunlop of JumpCross said: “The Lincoln JumpCross Eventer’s Challenge is now well established in the calendar. It was a great day, with top class competition and we are very grateful for the support from Lincoln.”
Throughout the day money was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and thanks to a well supported raffle and auction £2,000 was raised.
Top prizes included a lesson with Piggy French, two tickets to Burghley with a course walk from Angus Smales and many other prizes including chocolates, wine and artwork.
Said Jim Bowen, Managing Director of Battles: “The Lincoln JumpCross Eventer’s Challenge was a fantastic day and we are really pleased to be able to give something back to our customers. This is our third year supporting the event and we look forward to it being an annual event.”
