Dan’s double triumph in Portugal
A showjumper on the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) World Class Development Programme has won two classes at the Concurso de Saltos Internacional show in Porto (10-13 December).
Dan Neilson (19), based with Katrina and Jason Moore in Brentwood, Essex, won the 1.35m Speed class and the 1.50m Masters competing against some of the world’s best riders. The Speed class saw Dan riding High Zone Z, owned by Graham Butt, alongside 73 other starters all competing for a share of the 5,000 euros first prize. It was a hard fought win with the top four riders separated by just one hundredth of a second.
The 1.50m Masters class was the main event of the evening, with Dan riding Iolanthe owned by L Cook. It was a strong field with Dan jumping clear in the final round. He just edged Ireland’s Jessica Kurten to secure the title and, his share of the 15,000 euros first prize.
Dan, who also finished third in the 1.45m class riding Iolanthe, said: ‘This was my first CSI 4* show and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed competing. To come away with two wins and a third place is unbelievable and I’m delighted with my progress. The horses have all performed really well and I’d like to thank my owners who have trusted me with some great rides and I’m really pleased they’re now proving themselves at this level.’
The BEF’s World Class Development Programme aims to provide Britain's elite riders with the best preparation to represent Equestrian Team GBR at International level. Funded by UK Sport, the Programme incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, show jumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage.
Selection to the World Class Programme is based on results combined with potential to contribute to team success at major championships. Performance is continuously assessed and riders are regularly reviewed. The Programme is divided into Development (Start and Potential), and Performance squads across each discipline.
The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, primarily from the National Lottery, via UK Sport since 1998.