21-year old BYRDS rider, Daisy Coakley, topped the Elementary Open Freestyle – sponsored by GFS – at the Central Winter Regional Championships at Addington Manor (13-16 February 2014) with a jaw dropping score of 80.32%.
Paired with Judy Firmston-Williams’ Cleopatra II, Daisy devoured the competition by almost 8%, making them the highest scoring combination of the weekend and booking their second place at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships. The dynamic due also finished second, just below Rebecca Cowderoy on Celicia (71.77%), in the Equitop Myoplast Elementary Open with a score of 71.20%.
Originating from the world of eventing, Daisy began riding the seven year old mare, nicknamed Daya, in 2012. Together, they have experienced great success with Prelim, Novice and Elementary national titles under their belts.
“Throughout the Freestyle, my smile was growing and growing – I was having such a great time, especially as I absolutely love the music” gushed Daisy. “When I left the arena, it didn’t matter what my mark was, I was thrilled with Daya. It definitely felt like her best test to date.”
“After finding out my score, Judy [Firmston-Williams] shouted across the car park - I thought I was going to fall off when I heard it!” Daisy continued. “It was such a great surprise and I couldn’t be happier.”
The valentine’s weekend of competition also proved to be a successful one for Carol Parker and her own, Apollo. After seizing the Central Novice Restricted title in the Blue Chip sponsored class with 69.60%, Carol and her nine year old KWPN gelding raised the roof in the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Restricted Freestyle improving on their previous score and securing their winter championship place with 72.69%.
The Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Open music Freestyle also proved one to watch at Addington with the top 11 combinations all scoring over the 70% mark. Although a fierce battle for the final qualification spots on offer, it was Serena Gordon on her own six year old gelding, Wonderland, who took first place with her impressive score of 76.11%.
Such a competitive regional can only mean that fireworks are guaranteed for the Hartbury-based final in April – a must-see for all.
KBIS PRELIMINARY
Elaine Cross-Johnson and Devilingh, 71.86%
BLUE CHIP NOVICE RESTRICTED
Carol Parker and Apollo, 69.60%
BLUE CHIP NOVICE OPEN
Garry Williams and Don Hit, 70.69%
EQUITOP MYOPLAST ELEMENTARY RESTRICTED
Lucy Reeve and Bright One V H Dijkeinde, 69.79%
EQUITOP MYOPLAST ELEMENTARY OPEN
Rebecca Cowderoy and Celicia, 71.77%
ALBION MEDIUM RESTRICTED
Katie Richards and Riesenstern, 69.32%
ALBION MEDIUM OPEN
Garry Williams and Furst Edition II, 70.59%
CHARLES OWEN ADVANCED MEDIUM RESTRICTED
Louise Bell and W Get Smart, 70.75%
CHARLES OWEN ADVANCED MEDIUM OPEN
Julie Hugo and Alivia II, 74.12%
BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS NOVICE RESTRICTED MUSIC FREESTYLE
Carol Parker and Apollo, 72.69%
BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS NOVICE OPEN MUSIC FREESTYLE
Serena Gordon and Wonderland, 76.11%
GFS ELEMENTARY RESTRICTED MUSIC FREESTYLE
Ellie Targett and Ranazotti, 73.21%
GFS ELEMENTARY OPEN MUSIC FREESTYLE
Daisy Coakley and Cleopatra II, 80.32%
SPILLERS MEDIUM RESTRICTED MUSIC FREESTYLE
Claire Ackerman and Woodcroft Heinrich, 70.89%
SPILLERS MEDIUM OPEN MUSIC FREESTYLE
Lucy Farrer and Furst Ferdinand, 73.72%
NUPAFEED ADVANCED MEDIUM MUSIC FREESTYLE
Natalie Allen and Winston Jani, 73.44%
NAF MAGIC PRIX ST. GEORGES MUSIC FREESTYLE
Olivia Towers and Merican Flyaway Wish, 73.17%
For full results, link to follow.