Blakemores Managing Partner, Guy Barnett, celebrated a successful week of show jumping competition by winning the Keith Price Garages Welsh Masters Championship 2009 at the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow at the weekend.
A field of over 120 professional and amateur riders competed over three days to gain qualification for the final event on Sunday. Of the 40 qualifying riders Guy managed to qualify two of his top horses, Aragon II and Joli Coeur du luot.
The final was held over an A8 course which tested riders over three phases, the first and second requiring a clear round to proceed and the last against the clock.
“I really fancied my chances on my old French horse ‘Joli Coeur’ however an unlucky rub in the first round led to me dropping out on four faults. I was then left with the prospect of trying to win the class with my young Danish Holsteiner, Aragon.”
Only six qualified for the final jump off, which was over a large track and of those Guy was the only one to jump clear lifting the title of the Welsh Masters Champion 2009 and a cheque for £1,250.00.
Guy who specialises in Equine Law is based at the top show jumping yard of Ted and Liz Edgar in Leek Wooten, Leamington Spa.
Asked how he combines managing a major law firm and competing professionally Guy responded:
“Fortunately Blakemores has a healthy view of work life balance, which has enabled me to modify my working hours so that I can exercise my horses before work and create extra days holiday to enable me to compete. I must admit however that I have had some strange looks over the years from my work colleagues when I turn up to work some mornings in my boots and breaches.
Coupled with having understanding colleagues, I also have the benefit of one of the UK’s top show jumping coaches in Marie Edgar, whose commitment and perseverance has enabled me to progress my competitive riding. I am amazed why more professional business people do not employ the same level of professional assistance in their sporting hobbies that they do in their jobs because it has definitely paid off for me”
International show jumper and Vice Chairman of the British Show Jumping Association Liz Edgar commented:
“The B.S.J.A. is actively promoting amateur championship classes within the sport and it is nice to see a local businessman attaining such a brilliant success I have known Guy for some years and can only say that this win is well deserved. I have every confidence that he will be progressing onto bigger challenges in due course”
Guy is aiming to qualify for a series of championships in the UK throughout the summer before he sets his sights on the Audi Masters in Brussels in October.
Note to editors:
Blakemores is a leading Midlands law firm, specialising in injury & insurance claims, dispute resolution, immigration, family & childcare, conveyancing, commercial property and wills, trusts, tax and probate. With over 170 staff across two offices in Birmingham and Leamington Spa the firm provides great value legal advice to a wide range of private and commercial clients throughout the UK.
For more information contact:
Sarah Jacks
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Blakemores Solicitors
40 Great Charles Street
Birmingham
B3 2AT
T: 0844 873 5292
Email: sarah.jacks@blakemores.co.uk
