Billy Stud horses shine in young horse finals

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Lottie Tutt had a day to remember when she won the Al Shira’aa Five Year Old Championship, as well as jumping double clear to share first place in the Four Year Old Final.

Nearly 70 five-year olds came forward for the championship in the Longines International Arena, with 20 of these going through to a jump-off. But none could better the time set by Lottie and Billy Bilboa, who finished 0.1sec ahead of Jessica Burke and Billy Utah in second place.

The winning mare is owned by none other than Olympic showjumper Nick Skelton, who bought Billy Bilboa at the Billy Stud Auction.

“I just knew I had to get her into a good rhythm, and if I did that and kept her in front of me, that she’d be so careful and brave,” said Lottie.

Lottie’s win in the Al Shira’aa Four Year Old Championship came courtesy of Billy Mufasa, who is owned by Lizzie Bunn.

The other winners who shared the top spot were Jason Fitzpatrick with both Glamor de Vie and Lucardo, Charlene Bastone with Theodore L3B VD Zuuthoeve Z, Krissie Yeoman with Grimm de la Butte, Graham Gillespie with Nina and Max Routledge with his own Ascadina PPZ.

A busy day at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships came to a close with a thrilling contest in the Al Shira’aa Six Year Old Final.

Having narrowly missed out in the Five Year Old championship when she finished runner up to Lottie, Ireland's Jessica Burke stepped up to claim the top spot with the six-year-old Ashdale Divine.

Nine horses went through to the jump-off, with Jessica’s time of 38.82sec proving impossible to beat.

"We were looking forward to competing here in June but unfortunately we couldn't because of everything that's happened, so I feel really lucky to be able to come here for this show," said Jessica. "It's my first time competing at Hickstead and it's amazing, I've loved it - I think I'm getting faster and faster on the grass here!"