Squibb is on flying form

Henry Squibb is crowned leading JA rider as he enjoys a very successful show, while an 18-year-old mare eyes up her fourth Hickstead final

- SUZANNE JONES

THERE is nothing like success to breed success, and Henry Squibb is riding high. Two weeks after earning the Charles Britton winter JA classic championship with Kilcurry Dawn, Henry claimed the JA grand prix among his haul of five classes with five different ponies, also claiming the leading JA rider award.

“When he’s happy, he’s willing to jump anything – and that’s always good,” said Henry of Kilcurry Dawn.

The JA track tested ability and nerve in heavy rain as course-designer Neil Theobald set committed lines and, of the 25 competitors forward, just four posted clears with nine either eliminated or retired. Under A9 grand prix rules, five qualified for the jump-off, with Tabitha Kyle returning on fastest four faulter Atomic Du Bary, giving her three rides.

Atomic faulted again but Tabitha immediately returned to secure the lead with Gangnam Style. Her lead was short-lived; Henry was tighter and quicker, gambling a turn to the final oxer to cut out 0.65sec.

The final fence proved crucial as both Sophie Evans on Oscar VD Beekerheide and Tabitha with third ride Orchids Vienna were faster, but it fell on both occasions.

Training in lockdown with John Renwick has been the turning point for Henry.

“The track was technical and beefy, you had to be confident as every fence came quickly and the weather conditions probably added 25% of the test. But John gives me the belief in myself – I can do it,” said Henry, 14, who has grown with the 13-year-old Westside Mirah stallion “Chocco”. “We know each other well and I can’t remember the last time he had a fence down.”