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| Tina Fletcher and Promised Land leap over the water jump |
After jumping double clear in 2011 with her husband Graham’s Promised Land, only to be beaten on time in the jump-off by Guy Williams (Skip Two Ramiro), this time she had no need to saddle up again. She had produced the sole clear to take the win.
“After last year, I thought I wouldn’t get a chance like that again,” said Tina. “But my horse jumped brilliantly. Although I had a dodgy run through the double of ditches last year, he was great through them this time.
“It’s a special win because I ride for Lord and Lady Harris, who have sponsored the Derby through their company, Capertright, for the first time this year.”
Troublesome fences
It hadn’t been the same story for other riders, the double of water ditches and Devil’s Dyke proved to be the most troublesome fences this year, while the course’s infamous bank caused no real problems.
“The thing with Devil’s Dyke is it is a real optical illusion for the horses,” Tina explained. “It’s very dark going in and they focus on the slope, which is quite steep, that’s why so many have the first element.”
She did, however, admit to getting a bit of help with training for the tough fence from three times former Derby winner Peter Charles.
“He has a replica of the Dyke at home, and he let’s me practice through it,” she said. “So I have to say a big thanks to him.”
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| Ireland's David O'Brien and Mo Chroi, one of five combinations in equal second |
Tina’s winning round came just three from the end of the 26-starter class. By that stage it looked as though four-faulters Guy Williams (Richi Rich II), Ronnie Healey (Carlow Cruiser), Mo Chroi (David O’Brien) and Shane Breen (Mullaghdrin Gold Rain) were going to have to jump-off.
However, once Tina had got through the double of ditches at three, people in the packed grandstands realised it was entirely possible that she was on for a faultless performance. After an easy cruise through Devil’s Dyke her run up to the water was supported by loud cheers from the crowd and they were rewarded for their enthusiasm with one of Promised Land’s huge leaps over the water.
“One thing I never worry about with him is jumping water,” said Tina, who was joint winner of the Horse of the Year puissance with this horse. “He is really rather good at it.”
Tina then steadied the 16-year-old gelding for the final rails and sailed over them easily, punching the air and lavishing praise on charge.
Living the dream
“I’ve dreamed about winning since I watched the Derby on TV as a child,” said Tina, 46. “I can’t believe I’ve actually done it.
“He’s a feisty horse, who Graham rode until he broke his shoulder. I used to ask why he was keeping him because he was such a nutter. You just have to sit as quiet as a mouse on him, but once he’s settled and he’s fine.”
Michael Whitaker followed with Animation, but he toppled the first of the double of ditches to join the other four faulters in equal second place.
One more threat remained, Germany’s Andre Thieme and Nacorde, the current Hamburg Derby champions.
“I did think ‘oh no it’s going to be the same as last year and I’ll have to jump-off’,” she said.
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| Ronnie Healey and Carlow Cruiser. Another of the four faulters |
But Andre wasn’t so lucky this time and after taking out a few fences on the course, opted to retire.
“I’ll take Promised Land to Falsterbo for the Swedish Derby next, then he’ll have a break,” said Tina. “Because of his age, I’ll look after him, but if he is sound and still feeling good, I’ll have a go at retaining this title with him next year."
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