Twelve of the country’s brightest young riders lined-up in the Green Mile Bedding Mini Stakes (148cm). Of the seven making it through to the jump-off, four were part of the victorious British team at the European Pony Championships earlier this year.
First to face the shortened course against the clock was Ella Spencer riding Gilton des Islots, who set the standard jumping clear in a time of 32.56 seconds. Spencer’s lead was short lived, as Cate Kerr – part of that successful European team – shaved 0.41 seconds off her time to take over position.
With just two remaining, the lead changed once again, with Emily Gulliver riding Fleur de Nuit making the tightest of turns to set the new time to beat. Last to go, Holly Gerken – winner of the 148cm Championship at Horse of the Year Show and another member of gold medal-winning team – wasn’t able to match Gulliver’s performance, leaving 14-year-old Gulliver to take the title.
A delighted Gulliver said: “My pony was very very good, I couldn’t be more happy with her. I wasn’t sure if I had done enough, I hoped I had, but I wasn’t sure, so I’m very happy. It’s definitely the biggest win of my career!”