YOUNG Scottish rider Sandy McLean sealed an outstanding year with victory in the Yeti under-25 British Showjumping championship with his great partner, Gino F.
A field of eight came through to the jump-off, where Jennifer Billington and Flipper Darco UK Z set the standard with a clear in 35.78sec. The poles then started falling for her pursuers, until 21-year-old Sandy and the son of Ultimo made up for a juddering start by scorching home in 33.23sec to claim the top prize.
“I’m over the moon because I didn’t think I had that at all – I had a terrible stride to the first three fences, so I didn’t think I’d be anywhere near fast enough,” said Sandy, who hails from near Edinburgh but has recently moved to West Sussex. “You always feel the pressure going into these classes – I knew that Jennifer was fast and I knew her time had been beaten, but everyone was having the last fence down.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, I love this show, it’s one of the best in Britain.”
Sandy has been riding the crest of a wave this year, including winning team bronze at the young rider European Championships, but he says this win is “right up there” as one of his best and he credits Gino for being his “soulmate”.
Denne historien er fra December 21, 2023-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 December 21, 2023-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
