Rising star Jodie Hall-McAteer punched the air and hugged her horse as she realised she had won the coveted Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship with two superb clear rounds on Shalt’n Peppa.
Under a new format, the young riders went through a qualifier on Friday, won by Georgia Tame on Quintella, and then the top 10 competed in front of a packed house on the prestigious final night of Olympia, with the best five – all of whom went clear in the first round – jumping off.
Jodie, 19, was first to go in the jump-off and set the target of clear in 30.75 seconds. The consistent Georgia Tame came closest, riding a mature round for clear in 32.38 seconds.
Jack Whitaker, son of the much-garlanded Michael, was third on Scenletha, Harry Charles, son of 2012 Olympic gold medallist Peter, was fourth on Valkiry de Zance and Millie Allen was fifth on Quinu de Pravia.
“I’m so proud of my horse,” said Jodie, who competed on her first senior nations cup team this year. “It’s right up there with the highlights of my career. Everyone wants to win this.
“My horse was unbelievable today. I knew I’d got to be quick with four very good riders after me and I think I put the pressure on them. I’ve taken my time with Peppa and he’s really stepped up.”
