Source:  BE News/Photos:  Britisheventing.com

Grassroots Champions enjoy sunshine and top prizes

In glorious Gloucester sunshine, over 150 competitors rose to the challenge of this year's Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships.

This year's cross country course ran in a clock wise direction mimicking the International four star course route. Designed by James Willis and built by the renowned Willis Brothers, the Grassroots course took on elements of the world famous four star track.

In a field of 53 starters in the BE100 Championship, the winner was Kelly Turner riding her own aptly named 'Talented Boy'. The 17.1hh, 11 year old gelding is by Voltaire. Kelly finished on her dressage score of 25.8. From Mill Hill (North London), Kelly juggles being a mother of a three year old son alongside her passion for Eventing. Listen to Kelly's interview here.

Runner up was Witham-Friary (Somerset) based Kathy Emery, with another aptly named horse, 'The Witham Widget'. The combination finished two marks behind the winner on her dressage score of 27.8. Kathy (46) is a freelance riding instructor. In third place was A-level student, Lucy-Anna Westaway (17) from Ewhurst, Surrey who was riding her own 'Raindance III'. Lucy-Anna attends Hurstwood College, near Cranleigh.

In the BE90 Championship the winner, with a clear margin ahead of the next competitor, was Alexandra Farrar-Fry (20) from Drewsbury, West Yorkshire. Riding 'Diamond Trefoil' owned by Marium Haque, they finished on their dressage score of 26. Alexandra is a part time NHS nurse whilst working toward her BHS teaching qualifications. Click here to listen to what she had to say about her experience.

The runner up place went to 52 year old mother of six, Frances Davies riding 'Dark Pretender'. A Corporate Financier in the city, she lives with her family in Blackheath and relies on the support of Sally Rowe who looks after her horses in Kent.

Third place went to Caroline Bridge (48) from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, riding 'Leonidas 103'. Caroline also rides in British Dressage competitions up to Prix St George level with her horse 'Don George'.

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors, Lance Bradley who presented the top three from each class with their prizes, said: “ The Grassroots Championships have added another dimension to the experience of Badminton. After having such a long involvement at the top level of eventing with Badminton's international competition, it's a real pleasure to be able to support Grassroots competitors, who are just as valuable to the sport.” Full results can be found here.

In the main CCI4* competition, 85 horses were presented in front of Badminton house at the First Horse inspection. As has become tradition the riders made every effort to impress the ground jury with their sense of fashion and style.

Today, 2010 European Young Rider Gold medallist, Emily Parker riding Treefers will ride the 'guinea pig test' to help prepare the ground jury before the first competitor canters down the centre line at 9.30.a.m.

iPhone users can keep up with all the latest action, results and images by downloading the FREE Badminton Horse Trials App - click here for more info.