It was a big Easter weekend of action at Thoresby Park over three days for the Eventing Spring Carnival.
Emily King secured back-to-back win in the Lycetts Grantham Cup infront of record breaking crowds.
Organisers said that the day presented beautiful weather which attracted a large family audience to the event.
The carnival started on Good Friday featuring a plethora of British stars.
Good Friday saw record day one spectator numbers for the CCI2*-S, with many also flocking to the walled gardens where the Lycetts Grantham Cup and CCI4*-S dressage went down to the wire.
Not even a tenth of a penalty could split Yasmin Ingham and Emily King, as two of Great Britain’s young stars both topped the leaderboard on 23.2 at the culmination of two days of CCI4* dressage.
For many, the Grantham Cup on Saturday provides the first key international showjumping of the Spring and plays a pivotal role in dictating the direction of the early season.
A lot of the competitors use the event as a springboard to other competitions elsewhere.
From a reigning World Champion to the reigning Grantham Cup holder, Emily King produced some exquisite work with her own Philippe Brivois, and the Valmy Biats Syndicate’s Valmy Biats to keep one hand firmly on her Thoresby crown.
In the history of the Lycetts Grantham Cup never before has a horse and rider combination delivered back-to-back wins, until last weekend.
Emily King and Valmy Biats delivered a near perfect three phases to retain their crown, alongside the Polly Phillips Memorial Trophy.
“He was unreal” said King.
“I’m so proud of how Valmy performed here, he felt amazing.”
“It was the smoothest, easiest, in sync one [cross-country round] I think I’ve ever had with him.
“He’s quite lairy and really brave and strong and you have to really set up for everything and think so much.”
Organisers said that the carnival was a big hit with children.
Over 2,000 participants took part in the Easter egg hunt and many children left Thoresby Park clutching a chocolate egg.
