Durham-based rider Will Murray pulled off a classy performance to win the HorseQuest Novice Masters at Belsay International (2), riding Linda Philipson’s seven-year-old mare Drumrankin IDHA. The pair added four faults and a time penalty to their 34.6 dressage to take top spot with a score of 39.6.
Will commented: “I’m very lucky – I’m a part-timer rider these days; I’m the lead coach for British Eventing in the northern region – so I just turn up and ride a couple of days a week, and the team at Linda’s do all the fitness work. My showjumping coach Philippa McKeever came to warm me up today, which was a big help, because I thought it was a proper track. The mare finds the cross-country very easy and she’s naturally very fast. I’m a lucky person to ride such a special horse.”
Runner-up went to Lottie Walsh and Cavallero, who finished close behind on 40.3, while third was awarded to Lexie Marshall and Frankfort Ronnie, completing on a score of 41.
An opportunity to showcase promising combinations, the Novice Masters series offers valuable experience on quality courses across the country.
In addition to becoming the Belsay Novice Master, Will also received a HorseQuest rug, numnah, HorseQuest riding socks and a £50 HorseQuest voucher. Lotties’s prizes included a HorseQuest numnah, riding socks and a £30 HorseQuest voucher, and Lexie received HorseQuest fleece gilet, riding socks and a £20 HorseQuest voucher.
HorseQuest Novice Masters 2025 dates and venues:
- Farley Hall, Berkshire – 21st June 2025
- Little Downham (3), Cambs – 3rd August 2025
- Allerton Park, North Yorkshire – 21st September 2025
- South Of England International, Sussex – 28th September 2025
British Eventing would like to thank HorseQuest, title sponsors of the Novice Master Series. Find more information on the HorseQuest Novice Masters by visiting www.britisheventing.com/novice-masters
