Oh so special

Carl Hester wows at grand prix level with his Tokyo hope En Vogue, while a newcomer comes away from her first ever Premier League with a win

- JO PRESTWICH

Somerford Premier League, Cheshire

IT was no surprise to see Carl Hester win both the grand prix and grand prix special with En Vogue, but the way he did took the partnership up another level with a smattering of 10s in both tests and an impressive 82.24% in the special.

“Carl’s just unbelievable,” stated Clive Halsall, who judged at C in the grand prix and E in the special. “All those horses of his come out and enjoy their job. Vogue is a really hot horse who made those difficult exercises look ridiculously easy. Carl intuitively knows when to take risks and when to sit quietly. He is such a clever rider and that really was something special to watch.”

Carl was delighted with the 12-year-old Jazz son, as he also was with his prix st georges (PSG) winner Nutbush. Owned by Carl with Roly Luard and Anne Barrott, ‘Gus’ is a Negro half-brother to successful stallion Timolin, who has himself competed to grand prix and intermediate CCI3* level eventing.

“Gus is just gorgeous,” said Carl, who was making his competition debut with the nine-year-old. “Big, kind and with a temperament to die for – the perfect ‘old man’s’ horse for me!”

Eilidh Grant won Friday’s inter I with Mount St John Doornroos II. The 13-year-old was bought four years ago from Emma Blundell at Mount St John stud.

“I’d been looking for one which had done a bit for a while. ‘Ella’ was working at advanced medium but her changes were not totally safe and I like a challenge,” Eilidh said. “She was a step above anything I’ve had before movement-wise and has a great attitude for work.”

For Eilidh and Ella, lockdown has been a blessing in disguise.