Donatien makes it a double!

France’s young star Donatien Schauly held his nerve to take the Bishop Burton Under 25 CCI*** with Seculaire at a rain-soaked final Bramham day.   Di Boddy produced a fair show jumping course with plenty of room for error.   Maxime Livio put the pressure on the top three with a clear round with Jaipur II and Flora Harris was then unlucky to have one down which dropped her down behind him with Law Choice.  Gemma Tattersall, probably the most experienced rider in this competition,  coaxed the ex-Mary King ride Kings Gem expertly round for a clear to make sure they finished on their Dressage score, one of only two combinations to do so.Riding on the crest of a wave after his CIC*** win, Donatien entered the arena full of confidence, looking the picture of elegance in his military uniform.  Seculaire never looked like touching a fence and they were clear all the way to add another Bramham first rosette to Donatien’s collection plus the Bishop Burton College Cup and also the Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ Saddle – a good day at the office!  When talking to the press, Donatien said the horse felt tired after the exertion of yesterday but after jumping a few warm up fences he was back to normal.It was a great end to a great competition for these stars of tomorrow and make sure you make a note of the name Donatien Schauly – he’ll be back!