Gambler is the real deal

A coloured pony breaks records, perseverance with a tricky show pony pays and a working hunter pony is a standout winner

SECOND-PLACED combinations cemented the notion that you should always return for a championship. While bridesmaids came to the fore across the horse and pony sections, arguably the fairytale triumph of the week was witnessed on day one of the showing in the Leeman Familysponsored coloured-ridden championship.

This was when Hannah Miller-Burton’s traditional stallion, SD Red Gambler, and Kaitlyn Fairhurst, rose up from runner-up to take overall glory.

Judges Polly Coles (ride) and Susan Stockley-Bridges (conformation) assessed uber quality classes and crowned their first winner of the day in the native, cob and traditional ponies. This was Pippa Kirby’s home-bred traditional stallion Monivea Black Magic (Merlin), current Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) class title holder, piloted by Pippa’s daughter Isabella, with Gambler and Kaitlyn finishing behind them in second.

It was all to play for in the afternoon’s Castle Arena championship, which welcomed the circuit’s most seasoned contenders – including the reigning HOYS and RIHS coloured champions – as well as some fresh faces.

Kaitlyn, who has the ride on Gambler for the season while Hannah is pregnant, stepped into the ring with few expectations, though she wasn’t one to rest on her laurels. She made use of Gambler’s powerful paces while maintaining fluidity, sealing their performance with a storming gallop.

Polly and Susan didn’t hesitate in calling out the duo into the top spot, with Merlin and Isabella in reserve. “He stood out from everyone else,” said Polly. “He just went up a gear. We both absolutely loved our reserve all day, too.