Thomas Bradburne and Derryinver Rocky landed the WIN in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship at Horse of the Year Show.
Thomas Bradburne, aged 14 from Lambourn, posted a spectacular win when he set the arena alight with an incredibly fast clear to steal the show riding his mother’s 8 year-old Connemara gelding Derryinver Rocky.
As the final combination to come forward in the jump-off they left no stone unturned when they wound their way around the course to stop the clock in a time of 28.63 seconds, almost a second faster than earlier leaders Olivia Sponer and Conella who were then nudged into second place.
Riding fast must run in the family as Thomas is the son of former jockeys Gee Armytage and Mark Bradburne and he must have certainly done them proud with the forward way that he tackled the course to storm his way into the lead.
Talking after the presentation he said “It was just brilliant, he (Derryinver Rocky] did so much for me, he’s just an awesome pony and I couldn’t be prouder of him”. About his approach to the jump off he said “We had said just go out there, do the tight turns and keep it flowing and whatever will be what will be. It just amazing to be here and the noise when you cross the line, the light, everything - it’s just brilliant to be here”.
Olivia Sponer and Conella took a close 2nd place, having a very good day with Oak Luidam also jumping double clear to finish 10th.
3rd place went to Rosie Walker and Grey Lad V. Rosie came off the back of a fabulous win in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships in August this year.
With just 1 down Tabitha Kyle and the Blue Chip sponsored, West Country Sports Horses bred, Another Barney had a very good show as they went on to come 2nd in the 138cm Championship.
The show was also a great success for Elissa Herrmann and Lapislazuli, (previously ridden by Blue Chip rider Lila Bremner), who won the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year title!
Full results here
