A SMALL but mighty field contested the NutriScience Equine CCI4*-L class, but it was Emily Lochore (GBR) who topped the table on the final day on her own 11-year-old gelding Gullith (NRPS).
Starting their week on a score of 38.3 penalties, this combination showed their class in the jumping phases, climbing from the lower end of the leaderboard after the first phase.
Gullith has been produced by Lochore up through the levels since 2021, but this is their first win together.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win this class,” said a delighted Lochore.
“I’m coaching full-time now, and he’s the only horse I have, so it’s a bit challenging competing at this level with just one.
“I’ve had him since he was four, and he’s such a joy to train, with a fantastic attitude to his work every day.
“He has masses of scope, and he really showed that at the weekend.
“He’s continuing to improve with every run, which is very exciting for the future.
“We’re really enjoying the journey together, taking it step by step, and I have high hopes for him.
“Ballindenisk is a great venue, and having a surface for both the dressage and jumping phases is wonderful.”
The Helen West-designed cross-country course proved to be challenging, with three of the nine starters failing to complete.
Giovanni Ugolotti (ITA) and Headleys Deluxe (HOLST) and Bundy Philpott (NZL) and Henton First Lady (NZHS) were both eliminated after rider falls, while Tom Woodward (GBR) and Shannondale Varsity (ISH) decided to retire after an early refusal at fence nine.
Though no one achieved the optimum of 10 minutes and 6 seconds, three combinations did manage to jump clear.
Leading after the cross-country phase, Alice Casburn (GBR) and LSS Ile De Re (WSI) went into the show jumping arena with no room for error over Lochore (GBR) and Gullith (NRPS).
Unfortunately, a pole on the floor and 1.2 time penalties to add meant Casburn slipped off the top spot to finish in eventual second, handing their British compatriot her first CCI4*-L win.
It was an all-British podium, with third place going to Joshua Haynes and Royale Hero (ISH).