SHOWJUMPING
A Windsor debutante brushes aside some fierce opposition and a “quirky and feisty” chestnut mare follows in her sister’s footsteps
THERE was success straight out of the starting blocks for US rising star Natalie Dean, who commenced her European tour with a win in the Defender under-25 jumping competition.
The competition was all for second place in this fivestrong jump-off, after Windsor debutante Natalie concluded the class from first draw with an untouchable round on her own 11-year-old mare, Dotcom D’Authuit.
“We were hoping I was going to get into the five-star, but hopefully I’ll be able to jump that next year,” said Natalie, who is training with Ben Maher.
“This is my first show in Europe and it’s great to be here.
I’m basing myself in England and we’re planning to do shows in Europe and in England.”
Poles had fallen all round a well-built first-round track, with some of Britain’s top young rider combinations put out of contention by just one fence down.
Natalie was joined in the jump-off by Francesca Young (Carrickview Libretto), Jake Myers (J Superstar), Lottie Tutt (Billy Olga) and Olivia Sponer (Bingo Du Chateau).
Harrison Hatteea (Come On Ferrari) was the only other rider to leave the fences standing, but didn’t make the jump-off after adding a penalty for finishing just 0.05sec over the time allowed.
In the second phase, Jake and Olivia posted the next most competitive rounds, with J Superstar crossing the line 1.73sec behind Natalie’s time. But Olivia in final draw came home 0.04sec faster on Joe Stockdale’s former ride to slot into second place.
“We were actually planning to do one less stride on one of the lines, but Ben said there weren’t so many in the jump-off, so we played it a bit safe today and it worked out,” said Natalie, who has been riding the mare for four years.
The partnership have experience at CSI5* 1.50m–1.55m level, so were jumping well within their comfort zone.
“She is very careful and so fast. She has a bit of her own technique, but it really works for her,” Natalie said. “She takes a bit of time in the air, but she makes up for it with her stride.”
“I DIDN’T HAVE THE BELIEF TO WIN IT”
LUCY TOWNLEY described finally lifting the prestigious Walwyn novice championship as “very special”. She laid claim to the silverware for this six-Pictures by Peter Nixon year-old final with The Billy Stud’s super mare Billy At Last (by Cevin Z, out of Lux Z mare Tiamo), also taking third on her aunt Lizzie Bunn’s Billy Stud auction purchase Billy Mojito (by Billy Tudor, out of Dutch Capitol mare Damora Z).
