Barbury Horse Trials 2007 Review

Watching the 2007 event on the net

Webcast highlights are available on www.sportuk.tv, or for an overall view and feel to the event why not watch the Barbury 2007 feature on Country Television. If you click the following link you will be taken to their site where you will need to click on the video tab to find out event programme. This programme is available to watch now on the internet, but loading speeds will vary depending on your individual broadband speed. www.countrychannel.tv

Chris is king of the castle

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30 year old Chris King from Lechlade (Glos) took home the 2007 St. James’s Place Barbury Castle title in the CIC*** International Horse Trials (6-8 July) in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The final cross country phase went to the wire - with the final scores hanging on who could finish closest to the optimum time, which not one of the 102 starters were able to match throughout the day. In the biggest win of his career to date, 30 year old Chris partnered the 11 year old THE SECRET WEAPON to take the title with a final score of 57.7.

Chris had victory in his sights when moving up from 10th (after dressage) to second place, following a clear show jumping round. His clear cross country, with only 9.2 time penalties proved to be just enough to beat Rodney Powell, the leader after the show jumping phase. Rodney’s cross country clear with 10.4 time penalties, left him a frustrating 0.3 points behind Chris.

Chris said: “This is the first time this horse has run at such a high level and his progression could not have been better. The cross country course caused its fair share of problems but my horse tackled it well. It’s my biggest win yet and it feels brilliant! I am thrilled for all the people who have supported me – the horse’s owner, Lucinda Langlands, my sponsors, my fiancée, Zanie and the girls who work so hard back home. We set up our own business a couple of years ago and it’s all starting to come together. I’m just delighted.”

Britain’s top riders dominated the rest of the higher placings - against strong international competition from 11 other nations - and the Barbury performances helped to secure a place on the British squad for the European Eventing Championships in Pratoni in del Vivaro, Italy (13-16 September) for the following combinations: Mary King, Call Again Cavalier (3rd) Oliver Townend, Flint Curtis (6th) and Daisy Dick, Spring Along (8th). Barbury’s runner-up, Rodney Powell and Langarth Darcy are first reserves. 2006 Barbury Champion, Polly Stockton this year finished a highly respectable 4th putting her into the lead in The Invesco Perpetual Premier League following the event (jumping 3 point ahead of previous leader, Oliver Townend).

The final top 4 on the Barbury leader board were as follows:

> 1 Chris King, The Secret Weapon 57.7
> Rodney Powell, Langarth Darcy 58.0
> Mary King, Call Again Cavalier 59.2
> Polly Stockton, Tom Quigley 60.1

"We have had a remarkable third running this weekend. As Competition Director I couldn't be happier. All the riders said that they thought it was the best going they have ridden on anywhere. Riders and sponsors can't wait for next year, which is great for us," commented David Green.

"Record entries this year proved that the owners and riders are really committing to Barbury and we continue to ensure that our event provides an ideal showcase for eventing at its best. The course ran really well and the feedback from the riders was again fantastic. We are blessed with ground conditions and spectator viewing that most events would dream of and, with the weather holding fair, thousands enjoyed being able to picnic on the banks and watch the whole event unfold in front of them," added Chairman of the Barbury Castle Horse Trials, Nigel Bunter.

Junior report

OnSaturday, Barbury also staged the final junior run before the European Championships in Avenches, Switzerland, 2-5 August 2007, with four (of the 6) team slots still to be filled The nine juniors at Barbury are all 18 years or under and, as such, would be London 2012 Olympic team hopefuls.

17 year old Laura Collett (from Glos.) took the trophy on Rayef with a score of 34.3, nearly 20 marks ahead of the rest of the field. Laura had last month already secured a place on this year’s British Junior team and will take her Barbury winner to the European Championships in Avenches, Switzerland. 18 year old Emily Llewellyn will take her Barbury 4th, Society Spice or her Barbury 6th-placed, Pardon Me.

The Barbury performances of the following 4 juniors also secured their places on the team:

Fergus Payne (2nd)
Harry Dzenis (3rd)
Marina Lawson-Smith (8th)
Rosie Stewart (7th).

Thoroughbred Championship

Julie Tew

Barbury’s new Thoroughbred Championship trophy was won by Gloucestershire based Julie Tew on the 7 year old King of the Catwalk. Julie takes away a prize of £1,000 which was presented by Barbury-based racehorse trainer, Alan King.

Over 30 thoroughbreds competed in all three disciplines in a preliminary round which was itself won by Tom Robinson and Miss Kitz. The fourteen top horses were then invited back on Sunday for a final round of show jumping to add to their Saturday scores, when Miss Kitz’s 8 penalties put her down to third position. As many as half of the horses going through to the Final had raced including the second placed, Lord Buckingham ridden by William Fox-Pitt who had bought the horse directly from top National Hunt trainer, Nicky Henderson and is now having a very successful second career in eventing.

For more information, or to book your season ticket, please call Sue Frawley on 01672 516125.