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THE excitement is drawing nearer, the anticipation nerve-racking, the time 4pm, the date Friday, June 24, the event ... the Dilmun Stables Show Jumping League final show of the season, writes Helen Blake.
As we are all aware there is no beating Hamad Fakhrawi in the adult section, after moving into pole position after the 6th event he has simply gone from strength to strength.
As the final show draws near he is now a clear 25 points ahead, so he will be able to simply relax, enjoy the day and give winning tips to all the other challengers. However, while he puts his feet up, there is clearly not that luxury for the remaining contenders both in the junior and adult sections.
The battle will also commence amongst the adults as to who will take home the runner-up prize as Fran Downes shifted up a gear at the last show to overtake Andrea Gowdy and Sharon Nicklin. Will Fran make it to the podium on Friday or will her rivals secure enough points to leap over her?
The junior section could be even more thrilling as Friday’s show will decide the ultimate winner.
The talented Kathryn Spink appeared to dominate the junior section early on – she started the league in the top five, never leaving, moving from fourth position up to joint second, then into first place where she unwaveringly maintained her position until the last show.
Tamara Alomary and Aimee Keen have fought tooth and nail to depose her. There are now only two points between her and Aimee, so Kathryn will be steeling herself to purloin back her prestigious placing.
Aimee, starting off the contest well in second place, moved swiftly up to joint first, but was ousted from this position early on by Kathryn, who’s made a great comeback and at the end of the day it’s points that count.
So all that’s left to say for now is ‘good luck’ to all those competing.
Late note: After writing all this I heard some incredibly sad news; it appears that Kathryn Spink has broken her arm and won’t be able to compete on Friday. I am sure you will all join me in sending her a huge GET WELL SOON.
Dilmun Show Jumping League Table (as it stands before the final show):
Junior League: 1 Aimee Keen 65, 2 Kathryn Spink 63, 3 Tamara Alomary 59, 4 Gabby Chakkos 44, 5 Gabi Scopes 34.
Adult League: 1 Hamad Fakhrawi 67, 2 Fran Downes 42, 3 Sharon Nicklin 40, 4 Andrea Gowdy 39, 5 Fahad Aldosseri 33.
Send YOUR equine news to helen2blake@hotmail.com
