Blue Chip supported rider, Lola Thulborn jumps to first place in the inaugural Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round of 2024 at Arena UK.
This weekend, Arena UK hosted the first Summer Pony Premier of the season, which included the inaugural Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round of 2024.
With nearly 100 starters vying for qualification to the Horse of the Year Show, course builder Mark McGowan’s 12-fence track proved challenging, as 17 combinations jumped clear in the first round, advancing to the second round, of which six progressed to the jump off.
The ultimate winners, Lola Thulborn on Ashley Thulborn’s Tempo 2 Stroke, were one of just two combinations to finish with a triple clear. They stopped the clock at 42.04 seconds, 2.32 seconds faster than the only other triple clear of the day, achieved by Michael McColm and Mrs McColm’s Legend Scais.
Third place went to Leva Eldridge and Clonbolloge Lad. Although they recorded the fastest jump-off time of the class, 4 faults kept them out of the top spot.
Each Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round will see the top four pony/rider combinations qualify for the Blue Chip Pony Newcomer Championship Final at the Horse of the Year Show in October. The top eight, disregarding those already qualified, will qualify for the Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships, along with all ponies that jump double clear in any of the Second Rounds.
Arena UK - Sunday, 19th May 2024
Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round
1st – Lola Thulborn and Tempo 2 Stroke 0/0/0 42.04
2nd - Michael McColm and Legend Scais 0/0/0 44.36
3rd – Leva Eldridge and Clonbolloge Lad 0/0/4 40.72
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: ATG Photography