Phil Brown: Devastated to have to retire beloved Jules from competition

Harry had further success at Intermediate posting a good test score and jumping a very grown up clear cross-country.

It wasn’t plain sailing but I feel we are now making progress with him at this level and I am excited to see what next year has in store for him.

LRD Electric’s Bella Cruise made her British Eventing debut in the 90-open and although at five-years-old everything is a work in progress, she really impressed me cross-country jumping a bold round. Blenheim did not have the ending we were hoping for.

Sadly, after posting a qualifying test score with big improvements in some areas, Jules broke down part way round the cross-country course.

In four seasons she has never given me a bad cross-country ride and although she was jumping the fences she didn’t feel like her usual self.

I put her odd way of going down to nerves and maybe the weather conditions but after she put a stop in halfway round – something she would never normally do – and then riding downhill I knew something wasn’t right and made the decision to retire.

Unfortunately she had suffered some serious damage to her tendon and we are now looking at getting her right and retiring her from top level.

To say I am devastated is an understatement; I owe Jules my whole career and more. However, along with the amazing memories which I will treasure forever she has given me opportunities and experiences that many riders never come close too. I am hugely grateful to the syndicate for their support with her over the past few seasons.

I now end the season with Harry and Bella running at Bishop Burton, Askham Bryan and Oasby as well as planning some end of season training dates. I am also seeking more rides for next season and am looking at setting up another syndicate after the success we had with Jules, so if anybody is interested in being part of that journey please get in touch.

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