A Well Deserved Win for Harry Charles at Liverpool International

A Well Deserved Win for Harry Charles at Liverpool International

Speed class sponsored by Hope Valley Saddlery – 1.45m. csi 4*

A triumphant Harry Charles was crowned the winner of the 1m45 CSI4* Speed class during this afternoon’s performance at the TheraPlate Liverpool International Horse Show.

The high adrenaline class didn’t come without its problems. Horse and rider were both challenged in the international arena by a selection of fences that proved difficult for even the most decorated equestrian.

Great Britain’s leading lady, Laura Renwick on board Friso, rode away after her round with 17 faults; Paul Barker retired after his horse, Happy Boy, rolled off the first three poles from the initial part of the course to the ground.

Louise Saywell who rode Tyson Z, combined experience with persistence following a tricky start to the class. Demonstrating patience, the audience watched in awe as she persisted with the tall bay gelding who consistently reared and spun before even raising a hoof over a fence. The pair finished the course on only four faults after riding a surprisingly calm round.

A whole host of top competitors were strung out, finishing with at least four faults. Clear rounds were few and far between, however it was Great Britain’s youngest and most promising talent, Harry Charles who stole the show riding the fastest clear round to seal a well-deserved win.

Son of Gold medallist Peter Charles MBE, Harry who was riding his father’s Doulita cantered effortlessly over all that had rolled to the ground throughout the competition, proving to be the ‘one to beat’ among the younger generation.

With only seven riders left to challenge the course, including a selection of the show’s top contenders, the audience almost held their breath to see if any combination could challenge the newly set time.

A lady who has enjoyed considerable success, Angelie Von Essen from Sweden, was next out. Despite a clear, Angelie rode Luikan Q carefully and slowly around the course finishing in 10th.

Graham Babes really put the pressure on Harry riding a clear on board Boucheron, stopping the clock only 0.40 seconds behind the current leader to finish in second.

Despite holding an early lead, Turkey’s Derin Demirsoy riding Dadjak Ter Puttenen, settled for a respectable third to finish the podium’s line-up for the class.

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.