(Oliva) Chloe Aston from Great Britain is rapidly becoming the most successful female rider at the Autumn MET in Spain: Having secured countless victories in the young horse competitions, the 21 year old has also won the Longines Ranking test in Oliva Nova, taking home the lion’s share of the 24,000 euros’ prize money.
With eight-year-old, Belgium-bred Merqusio, Aston achieved two faultless rounds, completing the second phase of the international show-jumping test in just 34.07 seconds. Her error-free round in the quickest time secured the London-based rider over 6,100 euros’ prize money. A total of 81 competitors took part in the world rankings test in Oliva Nova.
The young Brit was, of course, beaming from ear to ear: “I have a secret recipe – I make full use of the truly fantastic conditions and facilities at the MET. The horses have wonderful boxes, are balanced and relaxed, and the chance to use the beach does everyone the world of good. The grass arena at the Equestrian Centre in Oliva Nova received highest praise of all. Aston: “The horses positively fly on this surface, I can’t think of a better one anywhere. None of the horses slip, you can ride really fast and still feel safe”.
Second place in the main test of the day went to Belgian Jérome Guery with Grand Cru van de Rozenberg. The 45 year old from Waterloo has come to Oliva Nova with his wife. The Guerys have 14 horses with them in total, ten with him and four with her. “It’s a real advantage that you can switch between the different classes, sometimes practically take a step back. That creates security and the horses quickly build trust.” For the Belgian, a further benefit of the MET is that horse sales flourish on the site. During the three weeks of the Autumn MET horses can be intensively observed across different surfaces. Guery: “I bought a horse here last year and I’ve already bought one this year. I’ll be back in Oliva Nova at the MET in January 2016…”
And Chloe Aston will be a familiar face, as the Brit will be back in Oliva Nova for the spring tour, to get a head start on the outdoor season.
Results: CSI2* 1.15 m Bronze
1. Jean Marc Rosetto (Italy) with Triomphe Z, 0/28.21 penalties/time
2. Albert Iakimov (Ukraine) with Ulysse de la Traire, 0/28.64
3. Kirsty Keating (England) with Esso, 0/28.94
4. Natalilia Syniavska (Ukraine) with Istana, 0/29.69
5. Vincent de Reys (Belgium) with Cowboy du Toultia Z, 0/31.39
6. Imogen Beecroft (England) with Roscoe’s Amout, 0/31.39
CSI2* 1.25 m Bronze
1. Isabelle George (England) with Douce de Roulard, 0/66.17
2. Tom Hollins (England) with How About Now, 0/67.44
3. Annick Talbot (Switzerland) with Roxanne M.L., 0/68.59
4. Olivia Skinner (England) with Bruce Almighty, 0/68.87
5. Luisa Himmelreich (Germany) with Descision, 0/69.33
6. Emma Holmes (England) with Quincy, 0/70.22
CSI2* 1.30 m Bronze
1. Nathan Lacombe (France) with Sheringham, 0/58.52
2. Jake Aston (England) with Wise Guy, 0/59.53
3. Rashid Al Rumaithi (Arabia) with Inka’s Girl, 0/60.74
4. Delphine Falciani (Belgium) with Amethys du Bouscaillou, 0/60.79
5. Michael Wittschier (Germany) with Kilar, 0/63.08
6. Michael Wittschier (Germany) with Casilas, 0/64.93
CSI2* 1.30 m Gold
1. Jamie Wingrove (England) with Zilfa Heleen, 0/56.09
2. Harold Boisset (France) with Verty Go, 0/58.52
3. Toscano Lorenzo (Italy) with Shakira de Kreisker, 0/60.43
4. Marie Mille Bjerke (Norway) with Shakira, 0/61.64
5. David Simpson (Ireland) with Unex Cognac IV, 0/61.67
6. Dominique Hendrickx (Belgium) with Sea Coast Diamant Z, 0/62.21
CSI2* 1.45 Gold
1. Chloe Aston (England) with Merqusio, 0/34.07
2. Jerome Guery (Belgium) with Grand Cru van de Rozenberg, 0/34.11
3. Alain Jufer (Switzerland) with Wiveau M, 0/34.12
4. Anthony Condon (Ireland) with Balzac, 0/36.81
5. Gaetan Decroix (Belgium) with Quel Homme de Hus, 0/38.07
6. Luiz Francisco de Azevedo (Brazil) with Comic, 0/38.38
Source: Press release
