Childeric Saddles Little Downham (3), Ely Eventing Centre, Cambs
THE crème de la crème of the eventing fraternity took advantage of Little Downham's CCI4*-S and advanced tracks, which are firmly established as perfect prep runs for the final long-format four- and five-star events of the season.
The peaty East Anglian soil ably withstood the phenomenal amount of rain that descended on the area over the previous couple of weeks and the going was nigh on perfect.
Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan's prolific five-star winner Ballaghmor Class lived up to his name and reputation, winning CCI4*-S section K under Oliver Townend on a score of 32.8.
This was only the 16-year-old's third competition in a season that has been dogged by injury niggles. To the observer, he appeared to cruise around the cross-country with little obvious effort, however Oliver admitted "Thomas" does need waking up every now and again.
"He can be a bit sluggish and lazy and needed this run to sharpen him up a bit," he said.
"He's phenomenal and can do things other horses can't, but I needed to know I had all the gears and he ticked that box." A decision will be made this week between Oliver and Thomas' owners regarding if and where he will contest a long-format competition to round off the season.
New Zealand's Clarke Johnstone and his family-owned Paris Olympics partner Menlo Park were second on 34.1, with Tom Rowland and Jo Handman's 12-year-old Quintilius third on 36.8
Denne historien er fra October 03, 2024-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 October 03, 2024-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
'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
