Run of form continues for Kara Chad

Two days after claiming her first Hickstead International Arena win in the Breen Equestrian 1.40m Open, Canada’s Kara Chad’s form continued with victory in the feature Grand Prix of week one of the All England September Tour: the ClipMyHorse.TV Sussex Cup.

Both wins came courtesy of Nicolas Mignon’s nine-year-old chestnut, Ciao Bello NVE Z.

Last to go in the 16-strong jump-off, Kara managed to knock 0.6sec off Sally Goding and Spring Willow’s leading time to claim the top prize. William Whitaker – the winner of Thursday’s 1.40m Open – took third place with Cristallo’s Double Take and also came fourth with his winning ride from Thursday, Old Celui De Semily.

Kara now counts Hickstead as her local showground, having moved to a new yard with her British fiancé, Matt Sampson. “I think that's probably Bello’s first Grand Prix win, and he loves that field,” said Kara. “He really takes on those big, bold jumps. I’ve only been riding him for around three months, so I’m still getting to know him, but he's already done some great things.”

Earlier on Sunday, two riders shared the honours in the Stoner Jewellers 1.20m Open Championship when they crossed the tape on the exact same time. Thirteen combinations made it through to the jump-off, with Ian Foster (Cuba Blue) and Ed Eltham (Ibrina HBC) both completing the shortened course on the exact same time as 38.65sec. Ed Eltham also collected third place with Uruguay AS Z, with both horses owned by Ed’s long-term owner Fred Marshall.

Ian Foster went on to win the Hickstead 1.30m Open Championship, this time with Santa Cruz Odeveld. "Having come joint first in the 1.20m, I went into the jump-off thinking I better get stuck in and give it a go!" said Ian, who works in construction. "The feeling he gave me was amazing, and I'm delighted to get the double. Thanks so much to my team, who help keep the horses going for me when I'm working." 

Sienna White enjoyed her first win in Hickstead’s International Arena, claiming the Hickstead Novice Championship with Titania II. Seventeen combinations made it through to the jump-off, with Sienna finishing the shortened course in a time of 37.38sec, ahead of runner-up Louise Pavitt and Bye Felicia 19, who finished 2.87sec behind her.

Saturday’s feature class was the Seven Year Old Star of the Future, which was won by Billie Thornton and RSH Sweepstake, with Lucy Townley finishing 0.39sec behind to take second place with Billy On My Mind.

“To be honest, I just wanted to make sure I had a good round and jump clear, to give him some confidence,” said Billie. “I've been riding him since he was five, and I really love him - he's my complete heart horse, and I'm really pleased for him that he pulled this off today.”

Ellie May Payne and La Bamba IV claimed victory in the Spidge Photography 1.00m Open Championship, and Lulu James and Full Monty won the KEP Italia 1.10m Amateur Championship, despite being drawn first to go.

Charlotte Doel and Paragon B took the top spot of the Hickstead 1.20m Amateur Championship after finishing nearly 2sec clear of their nearest rivals in the seven-strong jump-off. Charlotte described the round as the 'best he's ever jumped'. 

The action continues on Wednesday with the second week of the All England September Tour, which draws to a close on Sunday with the £9,000 Breen Equestrian All England Grand Prix.

For full results click here.