Saskia is singing for joy

Saskia Davies was bubbling over with excitement at her victory on her 14 year old gelding Singing Usk in the TopSpec Challenge for the Corinthian Cup, the hugely popular competition for amateur riders introduced by Captain Mark Phillips two years ago.

Saskia, 24, from Tibberton, Gloucestershire, works part-time in events management, and came sixth in this competition last year. She led the dressage phase on a score of 26.3, for which she was quick to credit her trainer, Sarah Verney, added one rail down in the show jumping but bounced back to take the lead with a fast, clear cross-country.

“I was pushing for the time and my horse just flew,” she said. “This means so much. It’s very special being here at The Festival, to gallop along the same track as the four-star horses. This competition really gives us amateurs something to aim for and look forward to.”

Anna Stillwell finished second on her own Rhode Island 19 and Sophie Byford was third on Karen Fiske’s Handsome.