Wales and West Welsh Masters, David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire
MARK EDWARDS’ relentless form is often at its most reliable on Welsh soil and although he relinquished the grand prix here last year, this time he was back to claim an unequivocal win, storming 3.49sec ahead on the remarkable Flying Tinker II.
Marlene Edwards’ 13-yearold gelding, who was H&H’s 2023 showjumping horse of the year, returned from rankings wins in Italy to make light work of Raf Suarez’s 1.40m track, jumping the quickest of four double clears in 36.9sec to secure the £1,600 winner’s cheque.
Mark’s nearest rivals were left tightly bunched around the 40-second mark, with 0.45sec splitting Bethanie Knight (Mr Thunder) in second, Nick Benterman (Billy Quids In) in third and Serena Kullich (Benfields Victory) in fourth.
Only one other rider in the jump-off of the Equestrian Surfaces grand prix, Laura Mantel (Calcourt Clear Gold), broke the 40-second barrier but added four faults.
“There were a couple of long runs to verticals, where I could keep trusting him and I got in a good rhythm,” said Mark, who was taking his third victory in this grand prix, having won it in 2021 and 2022 with Montreuxs Tale.
“When he’s clear he’s normally there, there’s not many that can beat him. He’s very active and he loves his job and makes it easy. You never worry about a fence with him.”
A TUSSLE FOR TRADITION
この記事は Horse & Hound の April 25, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Horse & Hound の April 25, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
'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