The final day of competition at the Belton International Horse Trials in Grantham saw the culmination of the esteemed Grantham Cup CIC3*now under new sponsorship from Lycetts.
The top ten was dominated by British-based 29 year old Italian Vittoria Panizzon who won the Grantham Cup title on her own and Sally Bullen’s 10 year old grey mare, Borough Pennyz, Vittoria’s ride at the London 2012 Olympic Games where they finished in 11th place.
Vittoria drove off riders vying for a top ten placing by also taking 3rd place on her own international campaigner, Rock Model plus 8th place on her own Merlots Magic. Vittoria who lives in Moreton-in-Marsh said of her rides: “I am absolutely thrilled with all three horses; she [Borough Pennyz] finds everything so easy, whilst Rock Model felt fantastic aged 18. I rode Merlots Magic first of the three, he gave me such a great round considering he is quite green at this level.
“I have been practising riding very positively across country both here and at Weston to give myself more confidence; until today’s round I wasn’t completely confident about going to Badminton, but now I am.”
Lycetts, who are insurance brokers specialising in insurance solutions for those who live and work and the countryside, sponsored the Grantham Cup for the first time. Anna Goodley commented: “The Grantham Cup is a prestigious class of a very high standard and we were delighted to be able to support a competition with such kudos. Our congratulations go to Vittoria Panizzon, Sally Bullen and the fabulous Borough Pennyz who looked such a class act across the country.
“We hope to continue to support the Grantham Cup and the sport of Eventing for many years to come and feel privileged to be able to associate ourselves with a competition that has such a distinguished list of past winners.”
Top competition
Top rider and horse combinations were also prevalent in the two Advanced sections also culminating on the final day of competition. The Under-25 Advanced section was won by young Frenchman Astier Nicholas on his own Piaf De B'neville whilst Ireland’s Mark Kyle won Advanced Section N on Ronnie Bartlett's Coolio . Former Grantham Cup title holder Oliver Townend (GBR) took Advanced section M with Kathleen Wilkinson & Rachel Wood's ODT Ghareeb.
2013 Lycetts Grantham Cup top ten:
1 BOROUGH PENNYZ, Miss Vittoria Panizzon (ITA)
2 KING ARTUS, Mr Dirk Schrade (GER)
3 ROCK MODEL, Miss Vittoria Panizzon (ITA)
4 ODT SONAS ROVATIO, Mr Oliver Townend (GBR)
5 KILRONAN, Mr Paul Tapner (AUS)
6 ALEXANDER IV, Mr Ludwig Svennerstal (SWE)
7 UNIVERSE, Mr Clark Montgomery (USA)
8 MERLOTS MAGIC, Miss Vittoria Panizzon (ITA)
9 BLM DIAMOND DELUX, Sarah Ennis (IRL)
10 PARDON ME II, Miss Emily Llewellyn (GBR)
Full results are available on www.bede-events.com
For further information on the Grantham Cup title sponsor visit www.lycetts.co.uk
For more information, please contact: Nina Lloyd Jones on nina.lloyd-jones@britisheventing.com or 02476 698 855/ 07872 685 510
