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For \u003cstrong\u003eAlexandra Embiricos\u003c/strong\u003e and her towering ex-racehorse \u003cstrong\u003eCru Bourgeois\u003c/strong\u003e, that ambition came to life at this year’s \u003cstrong\u003eGolden Paste Company National Championships\u003c/strong\u003e, where they were crowned National Foundation Champions after a spectacular season.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA new chapter with a familiar thrill\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 1101px; max-width: 392px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Alexandra2.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022 width=\u0022392\u0022 height=\u0022295\u0022 style=\u0022width: 392px; max-width: 392px; height: 295px;\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e“I’m so proud of Cru,” smiles Alex. “It’s been an amazing venture into endurance properly, and he’s been the total legend of an ex-racehorse. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the adventure together.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eAlex’s journey to the 2025 title wasn’t a straight line. She first dipped her toe into endurance back in 2016, and again in 2019, but it wasn’t until this year that things truly clicked. “I had an ex-racehorse in Bury St Edmunds who won his first 32km, but life got in the way and I moved back to West Sussex. My next ex-racer, Times Up, loved to lead and didn’t take kindly to being overtaken — so endurance wasn’t really his thing! Then, earlier this year, \u003cstrong\u003eCaroline Ingham\u003c/strong\u003e called about setting up a riding club team, and it was the perfect opportunity. I had nothing to aim for at the time, so it gave me a goal.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom jockey to endurance rider\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eWhile endurance might seem worlds apart from her racing background, for Alex it has reignited a familiar competitive buzz. “It’s something new, and the chance to ride in beautiful locations with such friendly people has been wonderful. I love that Foundation riders can be at the same event as the top competitors — it makes you feel part of something big.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eAlex’s equestrian résumé is impressive. She’s a former amateur jockey, with \u003cstrong\u003e60 point-to-point and National Hunt wins\u003c/strong\u003e to her name, as well as a \u003cstrong\u003eMongol Derby finisher\u003c/strong\u003e in 2013. But it’s endurance that has truly reignited her love of competition. “People don’t always get endurance — it’s not just sitting on a horse and pointing him in the right direction! Even at Foundation level, it’s technical: you’re working out timings, speeds, navigation, and constantly assessing how your horse feels. You’re trotting or cantering wherever the terrain allows, and after two and a half hours in the saddle, especially in the heat, you really feel it!”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: right; width: 1101px; max-width: 190px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Alexandra1.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022 width=\u0022190\u0022 height=\u0022288\u0022 style=\u0022width: 190px; max-width: 190px; height: 288px;\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCru Bourgeois – the gentle giant\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eStanding at \u003cstrong\u003e17.3hh\u003c/strong\u003e, Cru Bourgeois cuts an impressive figure. “Cru is a complete dude — handsome, kind, and gentle,” says Alex fondly. “I found him in Ireland after he came out of Paul Nolan’s racing yard. He had abscesses that turned out to be a keratoma, and\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003ethen he suffered stress-induced laminitis in all four feet. We nearly lost him, but my amazing vet, \u003cstrong\u003eVasco Lopez\u003c/strong\u003e, saved his life. When he came to me, he was shy, thin, and lacking topline — it’s taken two years to get him where he is now.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eWhile his height brings challenges, Alex believes his stride and stamina make him special. “His size has pros and cons — his stride is huge, but tight corners can be tricky! At Red Dragon, though, he became a man. Climbing the infamous hill, he dropped his neck, ears forward — he just got on with it. I got off his back and encouraged him up, telling him, ‘Come on Cru, you’ve got this!’ When we reached the top, he just powered on. It was awesome.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChampionship day at Red Dragon\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eCompleting the \u003cstrong\u003e26km Championship ride\u003c/strong\u003e at an average speed of \u003cstrong\u003e10.4kph\u003c/strong\u003e and finishing with an \u003cstrong\u003eincredible final pulse of just 36bpm\u003c/strong\u003e, Alex and Cru’s performance was textbook. “I’d planned for around 12kph, but was advised not to push up the hill, which I took on board,” she explains. “After Saturday’s briefing we were told that once on top it would be plain sailing — but then we had a massive rainstorm overnight, so it was really slippery. I caught up with \u003cstrong\u003eCorine Staples\u003c/strong\u003e, who was in my class, and we had a brilliant ride together — galloping for about two miles through dips, ditches, and puddles. It was the highlight of the event for me.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eThe two crossed the line together, but Cru’s heart rate secured the win. “His 36bpm recovery was incredible. His pre-ride was 38, so that just shows what a legend he is. He’s got such a big heart — in every sense. His form this season has been amazing: 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, and now 1st at Red Dragon, all with Grade 1 passes.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriumph through challenge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eThe victory carried even greater emotional weight after a difficult summer. “My mum passed away just a few weeks before Red Dragon, and I’d had some staff issues at my retraining yard,” Alex shares. “On the Friday, I didn’t think I’d even make it to Wales. My friends made me go. I cried all the way there and all the way back, but once I arrived, the friendliness and the scenery lifted me. Cru deserved to go to Wales, and we did it. I’m proud of myself for getting there — just me and Cru. Who needs anyone else when you have a Crusader?”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA season of growth\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eLooking back, Alex credits the season’s build-up — at Cirencester, Compton Downs, and Graffham — for building confidence. “We were learning the ropes together, and by Red Dragon, Cru had really come into his own. He knows he’s a champion now — and it’s lovely to see.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking ahead\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 1101px; max-width: 238px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Alexandra3.jpg\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022 width=\u0022238\u0022 height=\u0022126\u0022 style=\u0022width: 238px; max-width: 238px; height: 126px;\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eAfter a year of personal and sporting highs and lows, this title means everything. “It’s been a hard year — accidents, losses, and then losing Mum. I’d lost confidence in my ability to ride and compete, but I can’t thank \u003cstrong\u003eCaroline and Phil Ingham\u003c/strong\u003e enough for their support. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be here without endurance and this wonderful community.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eAs for what’s next, Alex has her sights set on the next level. “I’d like to move up to Novice in 2026 — I think Cru’s more than capable. We’ll spend the winter building strength and fitness. My long-term goal? To be considered for a Novice team, and one day, I’d love to ride in a race with vet gates. Being an ex-jockey, I love the thrill of competition.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA message for new riders\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eTo anyone considering endurance, Alex’s advice is simple: “Give it a go! It’s fun, friendly, and accessible. You get to ride in the most beautiful parts of the country, at your own pace, with no pressure. Whether you’re doing pleasure rides or aiming higher, take your time, enjoy it, and learn as you go.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003eShe adds with a smile, “The new championship format definitely gave me something to aim for — 100%.”\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 12px;\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022font-size: 14px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCongratulations once again to Alexandra and Cru Bourgeois.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","HasCommentsThread":true,"SeoTags":{"OpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"og:title","Name":"Alexandra Embiricos and Cru Bourgeois Crowned National Foundation Champions at The Golden Paste Comp"},{"ID":"og:type","Name":"website"},{"ID":"og:url","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Alexandra+Embiricos+and+Cru+Bourgeois+Crowned+National+Foundation+Champions+at+The+Golden+Paste+Comp"},{"ID":"og:description","Name":"The last of our Series spotlighting the Champions from the Golden Paste Company National Championships 2025."},{"ID":"og:image","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Alexandra2.jpg"}],"NonOpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"description","Name":"The last of our Series spotlighting the Champions from the Golden Paste Company National Championships 2025."}]},"PageURL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Alexandra+Embiricos+and+Cru+Bourgeois+Crowned+National+Foundation+Champions+at+The+Golden+Paste+Comp","Comments":[],"UpdatedComments":[],"LastViewTime":null,"CanEdit":false,"CanPublish":false,"CanComment":false,"CanReadComments":false,"CanModerateComments":false}
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