THE FIRST ever ‘sportjumping’ event was launched at Gleneagles EC, recently, and deemed a success by all those who attended.

Competitors were asked to honestly gauge their skill levels, were handicapped accordingly, then galloped round a set of show jumps while those watching could place a bet on their chosen favourite.

An easy concept to grasp, it was viewed with some suspicion by the show jumping fraternity, yet on the day everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and came away having a very positive experience.

The non-horsey spectators found it easy to follow and even the regular crowd were caught cheering competitors on and really entering into the spirit of things. There were thrills and spills throughout the day, lots of vocal encouragement and generally a very good atmosphere.

The Glendale Electrical Engineers amateur 85cm was the first class to cause a stir when Jade Sturrock flew round on superb odds on Uptown Girl to score a convincing win. Jade’s form held in the following PFP 2000 1m hurdle and at 14/1, and with her family also placing bets, she had a very profitable day all round.

The final class of the day the Marks and Clerk handicap chase resulted in a win for Craig Hamilton on Ron Brady’s Nethertown Kiss, a speed specialist and one of the favourites.

The sponsors were all more than happy with their day having kindly offered generous prizes for the top 10 in each class. Appreciating that a new format needs time to perfect the organisers were very pleased with their first attempt and are already planning another date later in the summer. Sportjumping looks like it will be here to stay.

LEADINGawards:

Glendale Electrical Engineers Amateur 85cms – 1, Uptown Girl, J Sturrock; 2, Surbreaker K, S Campbell; 3, TS Eddison, D Harrison. PFP 2000 Ltd 1m Hurdle – 1, Uptown Girl; 2, Forrest Hills, A-J Richardson; 3, Paradise Found, L Barclay. Marks and Clerk handicap chase – 1, Nethertown Kiss, C Hamilton; 2, Pompidou, C McNaughton; 3, Molly Ashe, L Hutt.