QUORN stud groom, Lorna Collins was in triumphant mood as the winner of this year’s The TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.
Riding the six-year-old Blackrock Ricardo, Lorna started the competition with a 24.6 score in the dressage before going clear in the show jumping.
Lorna’s husband Peter is the Quorn’s huntsman and thankfully jumping in torrential rain failed to dampen Lorna’s spirits with a classy round before the cross-country the following day.
The final phase saw Lorna and the bay gelding pick up 6.8 time penalties but this still left just enough margin to take the prestigious class, highly regarded amongst amateur competitors.
Said Lorna: “I was so pleased with the result he jumped out of his skin in the show jumping and was in fantastic form I couldn’t have asked for more.
“Then on the cross country he was just a bit green at the water complexes. He is just a big baby really and still only six so I can’t ask for more at this stage.”
By the well-known sire, Ricardo Z, Lorna bought Blackrock Ricardo as a four-year-old and has spent the last two years producing him slowly.
“It was just a great result and to win at such a fantastic venue really made the occasion extra special,” added Lorna.
“The TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup has been a fantastic competition once again and we are very proud to sponsor this challenge,” said Katy Mickle of TopSpec.
“It has been great to watch amateur riders take the stage alongside the seasoned pros and we look forward to seeing some of them returning to The Festival of British Eventing next year.”
