Riders based in the UK have been shut down from competition for the entirety of the 2021 season, meaning there were some supremely fit horses and riders raring to get out to stretch the legs yesterday at Oasby’s Elite competition. Representing a multitude of federations including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, and more, over 150 riders contested this one-day event.
Due to ongoing shutdowns around the country, British Eventing competitions were put on hold through April, save a handful of “Elite only” competitions designed to assist riders aiming for five-star events with getting necessary prep runs scheduled. Competition is set to resume for all riders next month, barring any additional setbacks due to the coronavirus or the European EHV-1 outbreak.
Here’s a look at the winners from the five divisions that ran yesterday. You’ll be able to watch the cross country action (and I highly recommend watching!) on-demand with your H&C+ membership here. You can view the full results and the star-studded rosters from each division here.
- OI A: Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin (26.4)
- OI B: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class (20.5)
- OI C: Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent (25.8)
- OI D: Laura Collett and London 52 (27.9)
- OI E: Piggy March and Fonbherna Lancer (24.2)
Oasby was the first competitive opportunity of the year for riders basing in the UK, which made for an all-out “who’s who” entry list of eventing royalty spread out among five Open Intermediate sections. Designated Elite riders will have two more opportunities to compete between now and the opening of competitions, at Cirencester Park on March 24 and Aston-Le-Walls on March 31.
Running a lighter Intermediate track, most riders used Oasby as a pipe-opener and a fitness run. Some pairs seen competing here this week are heading to Kentucky, the sole five-star of the spring season, making these Elite events particularly exciting to follow for those of us in the U.S. who look forward to the international contingent of riders each year.
Lovely start to our 2021 season with a super win in the OI for James and Jo Lamberts and Deirdre Johnstonβs βJL…
Posted by Nicola Wilson Eventing on Monday, March 22, 2021
