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
'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
