Fantastic five complete BHS TREC Grand Slam
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Five BHS TREC competitors at the top of their game completed an outstanding Grand Slam at the BHS TREC Championships of Great Britain held at Bakewell Showground in Derbyshire last weekend.
The riders added victory at this event to earlier wins at the Scottish and Welsh Championships to complete an incredible hat-trick.
Marie Metcalf from York was the first to achieve this extraordinary feat, taking the Performance Equestrian Level 2 Individual class riding 19-year-old Ramova. The combination were particularly stylish round the challenging PTV obstacle course.
Kent-based pair, Julia Izzard and Clare Reynolds completed their treble by taking the Level 2 Pairs competition by a comfortable margin. The pair, who have looked impressive all season, sealed their victory with a highly polished performance in the Control of Paces phase of the Silva Map and Compass Courses sponsored class.
In the i-Quip Level 3 Pairs, Phil and Laura Weaver continued their winning streak by retaining their British title and extending their unbeaten run at Championship level to a remarkable four victories. The father and daughter partnership who excel in the orienteering phase, rode Aberlogin Mirage and 13.3hh Spike, an Exmoor cross.
The Ravenseye Gallery Level 3 Individual title was won by Sheila Watson from Kirkcudbright in Scotland. This was the first championship success for Sheila whose strong performance across all three phases with Rhandir Warrior earned her the title.
Former world champion, David Hay-Thorburn, sneaked home by just three points after a tough two days of competition to take the NAF Level 4 Individual honours with Irish Cob, Brenfield Mhairi. David was presented with a superb saddle as his prize, kindly donated by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers.
In the Nations Cup competition the England team triumphed over Wales and Scotland in a tough showdown between the home nations to retain the trophy they clinched last year. The team under the supervision of Chef d’equipe Helen Hunt comprised Ali Large, Di Skippon, Clare Reynolds, Julia Izzard, Rachael Wilmot, Anthea Kendrick, Helen Weston, Anna Weston, Marie Metcalf, and Kate McMorris.
The team competition was won by the White Horse TREC Group, comprising Alex Wells, Rachael Wilmot, Marie Metcalf and Paula Scott.
The event was also used as the final selection trial for the Great Britain squad for the World TREC Championships to be held at Lamotte-Beuvron in France on 19 - 21 September. The last two senior places went to Daniel Nolan with Tammy and to Paul Turner, Cwmmeddwy Magic.
