IT has been a superb start to 2020 for Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II, who took victory here in both the grand prix and the grand prix special.
Until the Lier CDI last month, the pair had not competed since the 2018 World Equestrian Games, where they were on the bronze medal-winning British team, but they have made it four wins out of four so far this year. Jen Goodman and Spencer’s British Hanoverian gelding, known as Neville, is 17 now, but his presence in the ring is as commanding as ever, and Spencer was delighted with both his performances, scoring 75.65% in the grand prix and 75.87% in the special.
“It was probably the most pleased I’ve been with him in terms of rideability [in the special],” he said. “He was so rideable; more relaxed than normal, and he worked so hard for his marks.”
The De Niro son’s special performance was not fault-free; there was an unscheduled canter transition in the extended trot and he walked in the last canter-trot transition “which he never does”. But the fact he achieved such scores reflects the overall quality of the performance.
“Even aged 17, and after 10 years together, he still surprises me, and keeps me on my toes,” Spencer said. “I’m delighted with his marks.”
Spencer added that Neville had been slightly nervous in his first test, making it a challenging ride.
“But even though he’s nervous, he still really tries to do the right thing,” he said.
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 19, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
