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Event rider Richard Jones opens his 2019 competition season in fine form – Alfies Clover eyes up Badminton

Posted on Friday, April 5, 2019 by Sasha Melia

Wednesday 3 April, 2019 Event rider Richard Jones, based in South Luffenham, Rutland, was out last weekend at the Belton International Horse Trials competing three of his string of event horses. His top ride Alfies Clover, seventh last year at Burghley International 5* Horse Trials, finished ninth in the Advanced class with double clears and with only time faults to add.

“Alfie started his season at Oasby Horse Trials and at Lincoln Horse Trials a few weeks back and has been foot perfect, with only time faults to add. With these horses, time faults are not a worry. It’s keeping the rhythm and accuracy that is key – we can go up a gear as and when we need to,” Richard commented.

“This time at Belton his dressage was on song, attracting few penalties to add to his finishing score, so the hard work my wife Victoria has been putting in on the flat is paying off in spades. It’s now all systems go for the Badminton Horse Trials at the beginning of May,” enthused Richard, fresh from his Belton outing.

Kilballyboy Bob has also been in good form in the Open Intermediates. Richard is keen to ensure that the team’s horses start off their 2019 eventing season in good heart and in good rhythm in the build-up to the more demanding events as the season progresses.

Owners Sue and Ian Story moved their exciting new eventing prospect Grafics from World Champion Ros Canter’s yard to Richard and Victoria’s at the beginning of the year and he has been foot perfect and in the top ten in his first three events, finishing with a well-deserved 5th in the Novice at Belton.

All eyes at Team Jones are now on the upcoming prestigious 5* Badminton international horse trials, one of only six CCI 5* events in the world, and of course the next Olympics.

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