 |
| Jaime Guerra and Utopias. By Roberto Cubbedo |
"He’s grown up a lot since last year. Everything has clicked for him and he just gets on with it," said Sussex-based Louise. "I didn't doubt he could perform well in the International Arena after his win last year and a good performance in the Horse & Hound Foxhunter final here on Thursday night."
Speed horse
France's Julien Epaillard produced a super smooth and speedy round on Commissario to win the Vinopolis Speed Horse of the Year title. It was Julien’s first visit to HOYS and he was delighted to have won in front of the excited crowd.
"The atmosphere is just fantastic," he said. "The show is very well organised and I really hope to come here again."
Pony champion
On her first attempt at the class, Pony European team-gold medallist Amy Inglis took the Pony Show Jumper of the Year title with Mandy Hall’s Crossword. She took the win as the competition's pathfinder in both rounds, but was not fazed by having to show her rivals the way.
"I tried not to think about it," she said. "I just went for it without having to really blast round."
Mexican surprise
Mexican Jaime Guerra never expected to be crowned HOYS Leading Show Jumper of the Year, but as the only rider to jump a clear round in the jump-off he took the title for the first time with Neil Jones' Utopias.
"I was hoping I'd maybe get a good place, but with Nick Skelton last to go with Big Star, I never thought I'd win it," said Jaime, who is based in Belgium.
Always a highlight in the entertainment on offer is the crowd favourite Osborne Refrigerators Hurry Scurry. Seven teams contested this high-speed novelty event where a scurry driver teams up with a Show Jumper and a National Hunt jockey. After much laughter and cheering in the International Arena, the title went the way of Scott Brash, Alison Millman and 2008 Grand National-winning rider Timmy Murphy.
To sign up to the HOYS newsletter, visit www.hoys.co.uk and be the first to hear when tickets go on sale for 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment