March Madness
March has marked another successful month of the season so far, with the team delivering outstanding results both at home and on the international stage. From consistent podium finishes to breakthrough performances, the past few weeks have highlighted the depth of talent across all levels.
Gorla Minore saw the team’s younger riders show the world exactly what they are made of, with an impressive collection of podium finishes over two consecutive weeks of competition. Darcy Breen set the tone, with a classy double clear to finish 2nd with ‘Just Jack’ in the CSI1* 1.20m. Douglas Breen followed suit with 2nd-place finishes with ‘One Saharah’ in the CSIP* 1.10m and ‘Avalon du Carpont’ in the CSI1* 1.10m. He continued his strong form the next day, winning the CSIP 1.15m with ‘One Saharah’, and taking 2nd place with ‘Avalon du Carpont’ in the CSI1* 1.20m. Our student, Lavinia Ecclestone, delivered one of the standout performances of the week, collecting an impressive 11 podium finishes, including a win in the CSI1* 1.20m, underlining her growing strength on the international circuit.
The second week in Gorla Minore proved even more successful. Darcy and ‘Just Jack’ stepped up to win the CSI1* 1.30m with a flawless and fast double clear. Douglas enjoyed an exceptional weekend, securing five impressive wins across his rides, highlighted by victory in the CSI1* 1.20m with ‘Avalon du Carpont’. Lavinia continued her remarkable form, adding another 10 podium finishes, with half of those being wins. We couldn’t be prouder of our young riders and their incredible performances this month.
Sandy McLean claimed three wins with the horses, as ‘Dallco Chance’ topped the CSI1* 1.35m and 1.20m, and ‘Orville vd Watermolen’ stepped up from a 2ndplace finish in week one to win the next CSIYH1* 7YO final. ‘CSF Thomascourt Zena’ took 2nd in the CSI3* 1.35m, while ‘Pino’ and ‘I’m Presley CJS’ both finished in the top 5 in their classes.
Shane delivered a series of strong rounds too, finishing 5th with ‘Chaccoulando WCT’ in a CSI3* 1.35m, 4th in the CSI4* 1.50m with ‘Scarteen’, and 3rd in the CSI4* 1.40m aboard ‘BE Alcantara’. He rounded off the competition in Gorla Minore with a strong 5th-place finish in the CSI4* Grand Prix with ‘Scarteen’.
The Toscana Tour saw ‘Kolman VDP’ win his section of the Gold 1.40m Two Phase, ‘Dallco Chance’ win the Bronze Tour 1.30m, and ‘Pino X’ in five top-10 finishes with Sandy, while ‘BE Alcantara’ came 6th with Shane in the Silver Tour 1.40m, ending the month of March on a high.
Our home team has been hard at work, matching that momentum. Our young stallions have shown us great promise, with ‘Dom Twist’ making a confident show debut under Liam Hayes, jumping clears all month. ‘Vince JS’ also impressed, jumping three consecutive double clears at Coombelands under Shane and Katie Speller. Looking ahead, attention now turns to the Stud Open Day on 6 April, where these exciting young stallions will be available to view ahead of the 2026 breeding season. Adding to the occasion, the team has proudly welcomed the first two foals of 2026 at Pook Bourne Stud, both strong and healthy arrivals that mark an exciting start to the year and will be a highlight of the day.
The month’s achievements reflect a collective effort across riders, horses and the wider team. Our continued thanks go to sponsors, owners and staff whose support makes these results possible.