History Made at Bramham International Horse Trials
History was made today when The Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials concluded with a win from Japanese rider, Yoshiaki Oiwa, on board Calle 44.
Yoshiaki Oiwa (Yoshi) rode beautifully following faults from top contenders Andrew Nicholson and Nicola Wilson. The 10-year-old Holstein gelding jumped the fences leaving plenty of clearance, exceeding expectation of the seated crowd.
“I didn’t really expect winning here, so maybe in a few days time I can feel it more” said Yoshi “This is really good for our country and our team, our people will be happy with that”.
A rare fence for Gemma Tattersall and Pebble Syndicate’s Quicklook V, cost the pair this year’s title “It’s the first rail she’s had at a three-day ever, she’s a fantastic jumper and she jumped amazingly well” said Gemma “We made a mistake, it’s hard luck but that’s our sport and we have to be tough and take it on the chin”.
Australia’s Sammi Birch, riding Hunter Valley II sadly suffered one rail meaning they finished behind Gemma in third place “I’m very happy, if I thought I’d finish third coming into this competition, I’d of been thrilled” speaking on the horse’s future Sammi concluded “I think he’s ready for a four star”.
Yoshi’s win is the first for the Japanese equestrian community in Europe. The 40-year-old rider and his girlfriend have spent the first half of the season training with British duo, Pippa and William Funnell.
The cross-country phase proved costly for almost the entire field of riders with rain battering the CCI*** course throughout the day, meaning many withdrew and other contenders experienced difficulties. 33 horses started the course, Richard Jones was injured meaning he couldn’t complete and French rider Sebastien Cavaillon, is undergoing operations to mend damage to his pelvic. His horse, Sarah D’Argouges, was uninjured.
After 25 years as a commentator, Kit Dwerryhouse is calling it a day “Things change but there’s always continuity with Bramham, we all get older, time to let the young have a go” said Kit. When asked how he came about the job “Right place at the wrong time” joked Kit.
Top 10 placings
- Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) riding Calle 44 – 45.4
- Gemma Tattersall (GBR) riding Quicklook V – 48.1
- Sammi Birch (AUS) riding Hunter Valley II – 48.8
- Toshiyuki Tanaka (JPN) riding Talma D Allou – 53.7
- Willa Newton (GBR) riding Chance Remark – 55.2
- Piggy French (GBR) riding Vanir Kamira – 56.0
- James Somerville (GBR) riding Talent – 58.00
- Nicola Wilson (GBR) riding One Two Many – 58.3
- Andrew Nicholson (NZL) riding Byrnesgrove First Diamond – 58.3
- Simon Grieve (GBR) riding Drumbilla Metro – 59.2
Following a 30th position placing for 2016, Yoshi intends to return to Bramham International to defend his title for 2018.
With special thanks to Mike Bain Photography
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.