TWO weeks after taking home the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Irish rider Jessica Burke was on winning form again at Hickstead, heading the Breen Equestrian British seven-yearold final with the promising Romelus De Muze.
The first round track of this feature final was fair but elicited light, scattered faults and eight pairs from 48 starters made the second phase.
In the jump-off, Jessica and the Bamako De Muze x Marius Claudius gelding took the advantage from midfield, holding the edge over rival bids, including from fellow Irish rider David Simpson (Mambo NR 5 “B”), who was up on the clock but dislodged an early rail.
It was left to Daniella Johnston, fresh from victory in the newcomers masters at Stoneleigh (see p54), to take runner-up with Tina IV, while Lottie Tutt (Billy Pronto) was 0.16sec off her heels for third.
“Initially I thought I’d try to jump another clear and try to qualify for the FEI’s world breeding championships at Lanaken, but I spoke to Roger McCrea and he said, ‘Go and try to win, you haven’t asked him to win a class before’ – and it worked,” Hampshirebased Jessica said.
“It was the first time I’ve gone that quickly with him but it shows we have the rideability in the right place, the round felt nice and smooth.”
Romelus De Muze was bought on the Sunshine Tour as a five-year-old, having a light campaign last year followed by a build-up towards Lanaken as his principal aim this term.
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
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
