Bettina Hoy is the first German rider to win the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, aided by her clear in the show jumping round on Seigneur Medicott.
She finished with more than 10 penalties in hand over the brilliant New Zealand rider Andrew Nicholson, who leapt from fifth after cross-country to take second place on Tesio.
“It’s amazing – it’s such a long time since I won anything big and to do it here at Blenheim is very special. What is nice is how pleased everyone is for me. I only compete three horses now, as I am a part-time carer for my parents,” said Bettina.
Lydia Hannon who lives near Blenheim, retained third place on My Royal Touch scoring her best CCI3* result and Nicola Wilson moved up from sixth to fourth with a clear round on Bulana.
In the Event Rider Master series which came to a thrilling end when French rider Thomas Carlile, who was last out onto the cross-country with Upsilon, grabbed the CIC3* win from Oliver Townend. However, Oliver’s second place was still good enough to secure the overall series prize pot following wins at Gatcombe and Blair.
Thomas Carlile and Upsilon enroute to winning the final leg of the 2016 Event Rider Masters at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (Credit: Eventridermasters.tv)
“What a horse,” said Thomas. “I just put him in cruise control. He doesn’t like to touch brush so he does jump very high but he makes up for it with his gallop. He’s been perfect in every way this weekend.”
Oliver Townend riding Cillnabradden Evo secure the over ERM series title finishing second at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (Credit: Eventridermasters.tv)
Oliver was thrilled with Cillnabradden Evo, a ride he took over from Andrew Nicholson. “I’m more than happy with the result. Thomas is a great rider on an unbelievable horse,” said Oliver.
