WORLD number one Ros Canter and Izilot DHI added the Blenheim trophy to their collection of silverware with their flawless showjumping round sealing their place on the roll of honour.
Ros and the 10-yearold gelding cantered into the showjumping on their two-phase score of 22. They produced a textbook round to pile pressure on world champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir, who led from the first phase.
Yasmin and Banzai, winners of this class in 2021, could afford a smattering of time-faults, but no rails. The 12-year-old gelding, owned by Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund, glided across the coloured poles with his usual ease and flair.
But the one true certainty in horse sport is that it can be relied upon to be unpredictable. The final fence fell for Yasmin, and the 2023 Blenheim crown landed on Ros’s head.
“More than the result, I’m so proud of how he’s dealt with the whole week and how he jumped today, particularly with how sprightly he felt,” said Ros.
"He was quite peaky and spooky, and that's his personality. The last couple of times he has done a three-day, he's been a bit flatter ahead of the showjumping. Today, he felt strong and well, so it's exciting that he's getting stronger in his body. He is still a weak horse and there's lots more development to come." Izilot DHI, whom Ros owns with Alex Moody, is a supremely talented, somewhat mercurial character. That complexity is both his strength and at times his Achilles heel. He is also not immune to a 20 penalties for a spooky moment.
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
