Yuri Mansur leads a remarkable Brazilian effort across the Royal International week as he conquers the King George, with Britain taking third courtesy of Keith Shore
IT is one of the toughest classes to win in the country and takes a strong partnership to conquer its technicality and towering fences. But Hickstead debutant Yuri Mansur and his super mare, Babylotte, made winning the prestigious King George V Gold Cup look easy.
The Brazilian and his 11-year old ride were the only pair from the 46-strong field to produce a double clear — and, in the end, scope won over speed.
“I last came to Hickstead to watch the 1999 European Championships and I remember thinking that one day I wanted to ride here,” said the 38-year-old, who is based in Holland. “This was my first opportunity to ride at a five-star show this year and it has been a great experience for me.
“I have no words for this mare. When I first got her she was jumping 1.45m classes and hated jumping off grass; now she just keeps on improving,” he added after claiming the €66,000 (£59,000) first prize.
With only four riders from the expansive line-up making it through against the clock, British hopes were pinned on Keith Shore, who enjoyed a remarkable King George with his long-term ride Mystic Hurricane to finish third.
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