Tribute paid to Wyberton showjumper as her former horse wins first grand prix

The Jade Wilson-Ayres Memorial Trophy was once again contested at this year’s Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships, attracting an international field of competitors totalling more than 150.

The competition was set up by the family of Jade Wilson-Ayres after her death in 2010.

Jade died while undergoing surgery following a horse riding accident, and the trophy given in her memory was bought with donations from her funeral.

This year marks the 10th time it has been held – and with it came a poignant thrill for the family, for the weekend’s action saw Jade’s horse, Wendy III, win her first major grand prix.

The 16-year-old won the 1.05m event, as ridden by Steph Gunn, 25, of Harston, near Grantham, who had been a friend of Jade’s.

Jade’s father Robin Ayres, 73, said: “We were over the moon to win it. We never expected it. Steph took some chances on the turns and set a good time.”

“A lot of people were pleased because they knew it was Jade’s horse,” he added.

Robin Ayres presents the memorial trophy to this year's winner, Olivia Poole, of Shrewsbury.

The memorial trophy was won by Olivia Poole, 20, of Shrewsbury, riding Andorra, having finished second the previous year.

Robin said the event ‘helps keep Jade’s memory alive’, thanking Steph and her mother Heather for their work with Wendy III.

“It’s all she lived for, was horses,” he said.