Hosts pull off a big comeback victory at GHOYS

The Guernsey seniors went into Sunday’s showpiece team jumping finale on difficult footing, having picked up eight faults after discards in the opening round compared to the clean sheet kept by their Jersey and RAF opposition.

But they stepped up to the mark and a nearly impeccable performance by their counting three meant they finished on 12 faults total, while their opponents crashed to a tally of 44 at Chemin Le Roi.

Amy Parnwell and Company Business got Guernsey off to a stellar start by backing up Thursday’s clear round.

In contrast, Jersey’s Sari Cuming faced elimination after being ejected from Bizzbee Gery over the first obstacle.

Guernsey had their own setback when Kelly King suffered an off in the late stages of a promising round on Tinkers Tale, but then Maisie Gray and Holane d’Or accumulated 26 faults in a run that they would not be able to discard.

Sophie Ephgrave had a solid round on Jayley for just four faults, as opposed to the 18 gained by Gary Vibert and Caramini.

Guernsey captain Justin Ogier finished the job with a lovely clear on veteran mount Zandokan Z, which was matched by sole RAF rider Michelle Randall on Isonieta.

By then the Sarnians had already done more than enough to seal victory.

‘I’m very happy,’ Ogier said after also individually picking up the prize for best team round.

‘It’s a lot of pressure going last, knowing you need a result.

‘Amy jumped brilliantly. All the team did well.’

Parnwell added after her double clear: ‘We did quite well to come back from that [eight faults in round one].

‘It was pressure. But my horse, JJ, does his job – he’s brilliant.

‘I’m very pleased with him and he’s done really well all show.

‘We have a lovely team this year and they are all really friendly and supportive of each other.’

More in Tuesday's Guernsey Press.