Equestrian Life June 2017

eventing 2nd - 3rd MAY 2017
Mitsubishi
Motors Cup
Competition for amateurs
hotter than ever
Photos by Tim Wilkinson
Launched seven years ago, the
competition to finish in the
ribbons at the Mitsubishi
Motors Cup has got hotter
and hotter each year. Not
only do riders have to
qualify, but when they
arrive at Badminton, the
home of eventing, they
are faced with nearly 100
other competitors in each
of the BE90 and BE100
classes. Frances McKim
reports on how our regional
riders fared, with pictures from
Tim Wilkinson.
BEST RESULTS CAME IN THE
BE100 CLASS
Held on 2nd and 3rd May, the
two days immediately before the
main 4* competition, our regional
riders performed best in the more
advanced BE100 class. Coming a very
creditable fourth was Tottie Jones
from Swadlincote in Derbyshire. An
equine and human chiropractor by
day, 26-year old Tottie has been riding
her eight year old dark bay gelding,
Castledown Connor, for the last two
years. As Tottie explained: “Connor
Feeling proud! Tottie Jones accompanied
by her Mum, Gilly, riding Castledown
Connor. Photo by Frances McKim
Samantha Jimmison DAYTON DI VILLA LORI
What every rider in the Mitsubishi Motors Cup aspires too. A place in the prize giving line-up in
front of Badminton house. Photo by Frances McKim
Abbie Coulson VERDICONTE
was discovered in Ireland by Izzy
Laurence, but was a blank canvas
as he’d never done any competing,
however he’s been a dream to train.
Izzy helps me with my jumping and
Jane Critchley with my dressage.” All
this certainly paid off as Tottie scored
a low dressage mark of 31.5 and then
added nothing more to it. Further
success came ten days later, as the
pair tackled their first novice class,
finishing in ninth place, again on their
dressage score alone.
Three local competitors returned to
Badminton again this year, having
taken part in the BE90 class in
2016. It was a second double for
Abbie Coulson from Mapplebeck in
Nottinghamshire, who was once again
teamed-up with Verdiconte and once
again finished in 11th spot. Another
pairing was Melton Mowbray-based
Michelle Sampson and Rocket VII.
They improved on their final placing
of 36th last year to complete this
year in 28th place. But the hard work
over the winter paid off for Samantha
Jimmison from Doncaster who
finished in 22nd place, having been
51st the year before.
Two first-timers to come home with
great results were Fiona Lundy from
46 June 2017 Equestrian Life