Only four of the 27 starters produced clears over course-designer Bob Ellis’ 13-fence track and they were joined by the fastest four-faulter to make a jump-off of five. But no-one could come close to Mennell and Helen van Heyningen’s home-bred Cobretti/Mr Majestic 10-year-old Whisper and they pocketed the £1,500 first prize with 7.68 sec in hand.
Olivia Gent provided the only other double clear on the Zip Phin 10-year-old Zipiro for second spot. Will Fletcher picked up four faults in round one but a clear in the jump-off pushed him up the order to third with Everytime Anywhere B. Abi Walters jumped into fourth on Miretta Mena and Mark Edwards filled fifth place on Quidde Du Buisson Z.
Sammie-Jo Coffin was the only rider to jump clear in the jump-off to take the area trial on the Lupicor/Ekstein 15-year-old Willem De Lux. A first-round clear could not be found from the 20 starters and all five who hit just one rail in round one went forward to the second round against the clock with Sammie taking the top spot.
Mennell rode Whisper In The Wind into second with Olivia Gent third on Rumers Cascari. Emma Slater took fourth on Art D Usance and Paul Crago netted fifth on Valentino IX.
Laura Mantel outpaced all 37 rivals to claim victory in the Speedi-Beet HOYS grade C on a new ride, John and Laura Renwick’s MHS San Francisco. Kathryn Ellison headed the final day’s 1.30m with 3.26 sec to spare on the 12-year-old mare Hanleen Sultis. Sian guided Dalmeretto into second with Sara Arkell third aboard Cordillio Z.