Chepstow Spring International CSI2* David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire
THERE was déjà vu at Britain's second two-star show of the season when the top two places in the grand prix went to the exact same combinations as the previous week at Chard - Mikey Pender on HHS Cornetta and William Whitaker on Chacco's Lando (see report, p66, and box, top right).
But while William may have missed out on the top payout for the second week running, his brother George banked a victory in Friday's big tour 1.45m Longines rankings class with his father-in-law Martin Wood's prolific winner Peanut.
This track jumped arguably tougher than the grand prix, with just five from 65 starters going through to the second phase although all of those then left the fences standing.
Fellow Whitaker clan member Joe Clayton had set a solid lead with the consistent Gentlemen VH Veldhof, quick enough to deflect a bid from Billy Twomey and his Bolesworth grand prix winner Chat Botte ED. But Peanut always poses a threat when he makes a jump-off, and he forged a 0.41sec advantage from final draw.
"Joe's horse has a big stride but it was a course that suited me really. There was a line from an oxer to a double that was identical to a line I'd had down when I was abroad," said George, who recently returned from Belgium.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change