Doel's Victory Quest Comes Good

David Doel captures the CIC2* aboard a horse he took on two months ago.

- Julie Harding

Bicton Arena (1), Devon

DAVID DOEL made sure of a red rosette in the Rathbones CIC2* by finishing one second inside the 6min 3sec cross-country optimum aboard Shannondale Quest. Such an accurate assessment of pace kept a strong challenge from Tom Hawke at bay, but the stylish 17-year-old rider cemented second spot with the former Andrew Nicholson mount Mr Cruise Control, finishing only one second adrift of the time allowed.

David took delivery of his winning ride in February and has had to get to grips with steering the imposing gelding.

“It’s a bit like trying to drive an oil tanker, but once you’ve got him straight he’s good,” smiled David.

The Lacock-based rider had admired Shannondale Quest in the hands of his previous pilot, Louisa Lockwood, and when the 12-year-old came on the market he proved the perfect purchase for David’s owner Gillian Jonas.

“The win today was a reward for Gillian, because although she was desperate to run [her other horse] Chap across country in the advanced intermediate, I persuaded her that we should save him for Chatsworth,” noted David, whose £500 winnings could be put towards his 24 June nuptials to fiancée Charlotte Addis.