Equestrian

Showjumpers book a place in December's forces final after tense qualifier at Bury Farm

Showjumpers book their place in December's forces final

The top eight services showjumpers and their horses have qualified for the jump finals at the London International Horse Show at London’s Excel Arena on 18 December.

The third and final qualifying event took place at the UKAF championships staged at the Bury Farm equestrian village in Bedfordshire.

A maximum of 15 points is awarded for a double clear round over the 1.1m fences (going up to 1.5 metres for the jump-off) and could have propelled more lowly-placed riders up the rankings to earn a coveted place.

The RAF's Warrant Officer Keely Martin on MJ went on to achieve the only double clear round of the day, securing her second successive visit to the final.

It means there will be three RAF riders at the show, including Wing Commander Sarah Boon on Tango, who had already qualified and Air Specialist Class 1 Sophie Richards on Sweet Banks Royal.

With last year's champion, Lance Bombardier Charlotte Pudge, not competing here but already on 15 points, the Army's Major Zoe Andrew and Major Ralph Pottie were vying for a place.

It wasn't Maj Andrew's day on Cornets Master Bear as she had to retire, but Maj Pottie, with an excellent clear round on Super Mario, cemented his place to return to the London International with hopes of bettering last year's fifth place.

There were several police entries, including former winner Hollie Clark, but it was PC Megan Jeffery who secured her place on Boulabat Diamond with a superb clear round.

The Navy are celebrating their first time getting two riders to the final. For Amy Taylor on True Cavalier, it marks a return to London, but a first qualification for Katie McManus on Arthur.