JONATHAN DIXON and the ever-improving Jack JL claimed their second big win in a month when they set the lead from first to jump in the 1.40m winter grand prix.
Seven combinations survived a “strong but fair” first round from John Bedford, before Jonathan set a quick jump-off standard on the big and scopey 10-year-old grey.
“I could have gone quicker – the first line was seven strides and I could have gone on six, but I thought I’d play it safe,” Cumbria-based Jonathan said. “When the courses suit him, I think he’s unbeatable.
“He’s careful – there was a turnback to a double and I didn’t need to protect him there and then a tall vertical into the last line where I could turn tighter than anyone else did.”
It was just last-to-go Miles O’Donnell and nine-year-old Jackpot DS – who had only jumped his first 1.40m on the Friday – who managed to pip their time, but they lowered the second part of the double three from home to collect third.
The runner-up spot went to the only other double clear, from Nigel Coupe with Peter Grayson’s eight-year-old Air Queen II, who also finished second to Jonathan in the young horse grand prix at Aintree last month.
Jonathan has patiently produced the Quasimodo Z x Astrello gelding from a threeyear-old and has seen him really find his form this year.
“He was always a bit of a big, slow, powerful jumper but he’s learning to be quick,” said Jonathan, who sold him to owners Michael and Candice Reilly after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). “There are big things to come from him.”
TACTICS FOR TRIUMPH
ALISTAIR HIPPISLEY GATHERUM collected the top ticket in the Unibed High Performance Bedding winter grade B&C qualifier with nineyear-old Kyrusa H.
Denne historien er fra November 28, 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 November 28, 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
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
