Almost 5000 dressage enthusiasts tuned in at home to watch Becky Moody take the 1-2 in the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships, Gloucestershire (15 – 19 Apr 2015). Thanks to the LeMieux Live Stream, and also in conjunction with Show Direct and Goldeneye Video & Photography, live streaming of the class was available via the BD Championships and Horse Health websites for the first time in the championship’s history.
At the halfway stage, the judging panel – consisting of France’s Alban Tissot (E), Sweden’s Magnus Ringmark (C) and Brit, Nick Burton (M) – had Becky in the lead with her first ride, Dee Parker’s 11-year-old Nourejev-sired mare, Tirsa on an impressive 72.54% but with several quality combinations still to ride, it was all to play for.
After the break, Hertfordshire-based rider, Tahley Reeve-Smith and her own 12-year-old Sandro Hit-sired gelding, Special danced to an orchestral Beatles medley to score a solid 67.88% and place eighth. Providing commentary between tests, Paul Hayler commended her music and horse’s soft way of going, stating that she should be pleased with that performance.
Taking inspiration from a recent box office success, Maria Griffin’s complicated floor plan was supported by music from Fifty Shades of Grey. Featuring complex movements including tempi changes up and down the centre line with Adrian Baker’s 13-year-old German-bred gelding, DJ, the judges awarded the pair a score of 71.75% for third place. After the test, Paul commented that it was a high-quality performance with super music; although there was one little mistake, he predicted that it would be another high-mark test.
Straight after Laura Tomlinson’s fantastic Master Class, where she displayed her warm up routine with the seven-year-old Lord Leatherdale x Jazz mare, Dolcevende O – aka Dotty, Becky and her second ride of the evening, Julie Lockey’s eight-year-old Painted Black-sired gelding, Carinsio stormed in to powerful orchestral music. Another complex floor plan, Paul Hayler stated that he loved the music, the test was faultless and Becky should be smiling – clearly the judges agreed, as they gave the dynamic duo a huge score of 77.29 to win the class and push herself with Tirsa into second place.
“It’s pretty cool to win,” said a relaxed Becky. “I was really pleased with both horses. I know Carinsio is a great horse, but he’s only eight and it’s still new for him to be in a big atmosphere like this, so it could have gone pretty differently.”
“He took a little while to settle but the second lot of half passes were great – they’re his forte – and the pirouettes were good for him too, as he can still be a little green with those”
Showing great scope for the future, Becky and Carinsio – aka Jack – were crowned Suregrow Advanced Medium National Champions in September last year and are currently top of the Mount St John Future Elite leaderboard.
“We’re dead excited about his future,” she gushed. “I’d love to qualify for the Mount St John Future Elite championship at HOYS, it’s a fantastic atmosphere and a great opportunity to expose your horse to something like that – especially if you’re looking to take them out internationally.”
Becky and Jack will be looking to make it two out of two tonight in the Superflex Inter I Freestyle, tickets are available on the door at Hartpury or you can tune in to the LeMieux Live Stream via the BD Championship or Horse Health websites.
For full results, click here.