The 2016 International Stairway League winners, Helen Tredwell and Larksong, proved that they are still on top form when they took victory in the International Stairway at Suffolk County Show yesterday. In a strong class where eight clears were produced in the first round and with a further five combinations going on to deliver a double clear, Helen, who is based in Finmere, Buckinghamshire showed her talent as she rode into first place with her father Alan’s 12 year-old grey mare, Larksong. From a late draw, Helen stepped up the pace over the newly shortened course to cross the finish line a fraction of a second ahead of her nearest rival, posting a winning time of 61.74 seconds. Phillip Miller and the 10 year-old chestnut mare Unbelievable Lady owned by Shirley Light took second place after leaving all the fences standing in fine style to claim a double clear. This partnership stopped the clock in 62.06 seconds. Third place was secured by Tracy Priest riding her own and Penelope Priest’s 10 year-old grey gelding Caristo VDL. This pair put forward a strong challenge to nail down a double clear in 62.95 seconds. The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows where winning combinations accrue League Points that count towards the Final which takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park. The series culminates with a high profile championships where three Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are allocated as well as it being where the sports National Champion is crowned.
