Pippa Funnell scored her third win in Bramham

Pippa Funnell demonstrated that she hasn’t lost the desire to win at the top level when taking her third Bramham title with Roger and Denise Lincoln’s Redesigned.

The combination lead from start to finish with the chestnut gelding winning a number of admirers over the course of the competition. With the rain continuing to fall, the ground in the West Arena held up but inevitably it became slippery and poles began to fall.

Jumping out of order, Piggy French was the first one in contention to jump, albeit out of order as she had two rides, with the Abdullah-sired Jakata. The combination are new together this season but they’ve quickly gelled and have a good show jumping record. It was clear all the way the pressure was on. One down for William Fox-Pitt and Neuf des Coeurs dropped them down a place and Piggy continued her move up the leader board. The rigors of Saturday showed in Andrew Nicholson’s eight year old ride Shady Grey when two fences fell, putting play to their chances and relegating them to a final seventh place.

Piggy’s turn again…clear again! This time with Lemington Lets Dance so second place was guaranteed and the pressure piled on Pippa.

Redesigned looked a little uncertain at times but the hours Pippa has been putting in in pure show jumping classes showed and she kept her calm to expertly guide him home clear. Rider, owners, parent, grooms, helpers – ALL thrilled!

It’s been a while but it was great to see Pippa at the top of her game once more. At just nine, Redesigned certainly looks to be a 2012 prospect and Pippa’s team have been thoughtful in his career progression as he’s been lightly competed so far.

Bramham has a knack of star spotting – Piggy French and Some Day Soon were third here last year and went on to become the Individual European Silver medallists while Cool Mountain, partnered by William Fox-Pitt, was seventh last year and went on to win Lexington CCI**** this spring so what fate awaits Pippa and Redesigned only time will tell.