The Dutch bred I Diablo Joe started his season last year with a win at Oasby 1 and has done the same again this year
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Oasby (1) 2021 - order or view videos here
After a long lockdown, eventing for everyone is back on course in England
Oasby 1 in Lincolnshire is traditionally the start of the season for many and, although many of the top level riders have had a hit out at Oasby Elite and Aston Le Walls Elite, everyone could finally blow off steam today on cross country
Riders such as Oliver Townend, Laura Collett, Piggy March and Izzy Taylor have already piloted their top horses around courses for wins at both Elite events, but Good Friday saw them return with the less experienced stars of the stable. And they still picked up wins!
Laura Collett and Canyon Du Fort Ver
Of the five classes, Oliver Townend won the Open Intermediate on board Miss Cooley, Izzy Taylor won the Intermediate Section B on Ballingowan Leia, Piggy March won the Open Novice Section F riding I Diablo Joe and Laura Collett took out the Novice Section G on Canyon Du Fort Ver
These top riders certainly are on cracking form and it seems that lockdown has only given them more time to improve. As they say, if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.
The only class they didn’t win was one that none of them were eligible for - the Open Intermediate U21 which was won by Heidi Coy riding Russall Z. Heidi also took third place in the same class riding Royal Fury
Heidi Coy and Royal Fury
Laura’s win in the Novice was impressive, starting on a dressage score of 19.3 and finishing on it riding the nine-year-old gelding by Tinka’s Boy who had wins at BE100 level last year and has now stepped up.
Ballingowan Leia is a new ride for Izzy Taylor, previously competed by Polly Stockton, but they have gelled quickly, finishing on their dressage score of 30.5 to win ahead of Oliver riding Cooley Rosalent, who has been enjoying her time in the Shropshire paddocks since taking Reserve Champion in the 6 Year Old class at Le Lion d’Angers
We'll be providing daily website reports with full wrap-up next week and don't forget to stay tuned to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for video snippets and more during the weekend ....
Izzy Taylor and Ballingowan Leia
