24 October, 2005

Young British horses hold their own at the World Breeding Championships in France.

The world's best young horses came head to head this weekend at the Annual World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d'Angers, France. Eleven British riders headed across the channel to partake in the showcase event for 6- and 7-year-old horses which have shown outstanding form throughout the year.

Britain, France and Germany dominated the leader board, filling the top three places in both sections. Nicholas Touzaint had an excellent weekend on home ground, maintaining an early lead in the CCI** seven-year old class on Tatchou, to finish just 1.2pen ahead of Britain's Tina Cook and Miner's Frolic. The Frenchman went on to finish second in the CCI* six-year old class on Lesbos behind German amateur rider Janet Wiesner (Libero). British rider Angela Tucker finished in third place on Irish Jester who was recently placed fifth in the PAVO British Breeding Championships at Tweseldown (Oct 11th).

Clare Lewis and Cruisalier finished fifth in the CCI** seven-year old section with seasoned campaigner Mary King (pictured) taking eight position on Kings Fancy, a Rock King progeny. The 7-year-old gelding is competing at advanced level and has already amassed 76 BE points. Fleetwater Opposition was well represented by his progeny with Isabelle Taylor finishing 10th on Opposition Herecles and 22nd on Sparkling Opposition. Wiltshire based Louisa Lockwood and the beautiful 7-year-old mare, Lucia di Lammermoor took 15th place ahead of Mary King's second ride, Mayhill sired Top Cat II.

Results:

CCI** 7 year olds

1. Nicholas Touzaint (FRA) Tatchou

2. Tina Cook (GB) Miners Frolic

3. Frank Osholt (GER) Little Paint

CCI** 6 year olds

1. Janet Wiesner (GER) Libero

1. Nicholas Touzaint (FRA) Lesbos

3. Angela Tucker (GB) Irish Jester