Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

- SARAH RADFORD

PAUL SIMS and Jankorado GB were the bookies’ favourites for the £1,500 winter grand prix, having claimed two consecutive 1.40m opens at this venue, and they delivered on their promise with a slick, unbeatable round.

“He’s been on fantastic form, we won a class here last Sunday and then one on Friday,” said Paul. “I’ve been saying for a few months that he’s been due a big win and I’m happy that it has finally happened.”

A loud buzzing from the sound system meant Paul was held up in the ring before his round, but the pair were unflustered, finding forward shots to set an insurmountable lead from second to go.

“It was a bit off-putting and the clock was ticking so I wasn’t sure if I should start or not but I could see the judges standing up trying to do something about it,” Paul said. “Luckily he isn’t really bothered by things like that, he’s not typically a spooky horse. I’d had a quick change around as I’d been last to jump in the first round on my other horse so it was nice to have a good breather. Sometimes these things happen for a reason!”

It was just the consistent combination of Jess Hewitt and Arbitrage who looked in with a real shout, with the 12-year-old mare digging deep, especially at the double, to stop the clock the next fastest of seven double clears, 1.24sec behind Paul.