Stonesby event rider makes Hartpury podium

Event rider Willa Newton and star mount Neelix put in an impeccable performance to secure a prized podium finish at a prestigious international horse trials last weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2016, 09:33 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:48 BST
Willa Newton (right) EMN-160817-092722002Willa Newton (right) EMN-160817-092722002
Willa Newton (right) EMN-160817-092722002

The Stonesby rider headed south to compete in the feature three star class at the NAF Five Star Hartpury International Horse Trials, in Gloucestershire.

Lying in the top 10 after the dressage on a score of 41, Newton jumped clear in both the show jumping and cross country to move up and take third spot.

Little separated the 26-year-old from the top two in this class.

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Former Olympic rider Nicola Wilson and One Two Many claimed the Superflex CIC3* title on a score of 39.9, ahead of dressage leader Izzy Taylor (40.6) who had to withdraw from Rio after her listed horse was injured.

Newton, who harbours hopes of competing at the 2020 Olympics, said: “Neelix was the star of the weekend against very strong competition and seems to have come out of the event well.”

Next stop will be the Somerford Park Horse Trials, in Cheshire, this weekend.