Happiness Is A Winning Mare

Tom Whitaker tops a classy field, Irish youngsters shine and two riders score one-twos at this well-attended show

- Penny Richardson

Pyecombe Summer Second Round and Championship Show, West Sussex

THE Light family produced a schedule that attracted 850 horses over the five-day show.

Tom Whitaker and Happiness III headed the talent seekers, Britain’s first senior qualifier for Aintree’s new championship show. A classy field took on Keith Bristow’s clever track with the top three placings going to mares.

When Harry Bateman and Zuniek VD Tojopehoeve Z took the lead from Helen Rees and her home-bred seven-year-old Bianca Du Rouet, the class looked over. But last-drawn Tom Whitaker took a stride out between the first two fences and then followed Harry’s route to win by half a second.

“I decided that was the only way I could beat him,” said Tom. “Happiness is super-careful and brave, so I can rely on her.”

The eight-year-old Dutchbred Untouchable daughter was bought by owner Becky Stones three years ago.

“Becky would like to breed from her eventually, but she has the talent to go all the way,” added Tom.

Irish-bred seven-year-olds dominated the Emma Ziff Photography-sponsored Equitop GLME Foxhunter second round.

A brilliant performance from Gemma Tattersall and MGH Candy Girl, who picked up their talent seekers ticket the previous day, demoted Tim Page and the scopey stallion Hillcoote Border Fox. But the best came from local rider Alex Bishop, who pulled off a hitherto unconsidered inside turn with the huge Thomascourt Emirates (Ernie) to win by more than a second.

“When I got there, I wasn’t sure if the turn was on. I thought: ‘Don’t be silly. Oh, go on then!’ as I needed something special to beat Gemma,” said Alex, whose partner Matt Pike bought the agile 18.2hh Pacino gelding 18 months ago.