Warwick pupil performs for the Queen and Tom Cruise at event that officially launched The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Isabella Beecroft-Luckett, from Whatcote, took part in the event ‘A Gallop Through History’, in front of a huge TV audience.
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Hide AdThe event ran across four nights during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, and Isabella took part in each show, after a day spent competing for England in the Daks Pony Club Home International Mounted Games Championship.
The Queen appeared for Sunday’s final performance, which was broadcast on ITV – the first televised event marking the Jubilee.
The night was hosted by Tom Cruise, Dame Helen Mirren, Adjoa Andoh, Omid Djalili, and Alan Titchmarsh.
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Hide AdThe show featured 1,300 performers and 500 horses, and there were equestrian displays from The Household Cavalry, France, Oman and Azerbaijan.
Isabella, a pupil at King’s High School, was representing young riders from the home nations – Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – and the Pony Club, whose national headquarters are based at Lowlands Equestrian Centre, which is in Shrewley.
The Mounted Games Championship, always a highlight of Royal Windsor, was hotly contested.
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Hide AdIsabella’s mother, international showjumper, Claire Beecroft said: “Team England got off to a great start, winning the first session.
"Unfortunately, one rider fell off and had to retire, which meant the team had to compete one man (girl!) down. It definitely taught all the young riders team work and resilience.”
Teams of four, from England, Wales Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, competed each day in a series of races – bending, flag races, sack races – that showcased the skill and athleticism of the young riders and their ponies.
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Hide AdIn the final, Wales just held their lead over England, who finished runners-up.
Isabella said: “It was an amazing experience, and riding in the Queen’s pageant every night was a real honour.
The King’s High Pupil fitted training and preparation with her Games pony, Pepper around school work.
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Hide AdKing’s High’s equine co-ordinator, Sam Hadley said: “We are so thrilled for Isabella.
"We have a thriving Equestrian Club at King’s, with pupils competing and having fun at all levels, and it has been such an inspiration for everyone to watch Isabella represent her country – what an amazing opportunity.”