BRAZIL'S Francisco José Mesquita Musa took his third five-star victory on British soil in as many weeks when he headed the Lugano Diamonds Trophy, riding his hotshot mare Catch Me Marathon.
At the Royal International, Francisco and the 15-year-old Hanoverian headed the speed classic for the second consecutive year, also proving unmatchable in an earlier two-phase, and they carried their form on to Chelsea where they won the tussle for the top in this 1.50m class by 0.31sec.
“I made my plan and I made good my plan,” said Francisco, who credits this mare’s winning record to her economy through the air. “I tried to make one stride less one to fence two but kept the rest the same as the others.”
It was Henrik von Eckermann and his similarly brilliant speed mare Dzara Dorchival who was hottest on his heels, having already headed the individual rankings in round one of the previous day’s GCL.
The Qlassic Bois Margot 10-year-old has now won at four out of five of her most recent LGCT appearances, only missing out on the top spot in Monte Carlo, where she was second twice.
These two virtuosos kept Britain off the top two spots on the podium in this €14,375-tothe-winner class, but they did fill the next three, with Scott Brash a mere 0.08sec behind on his consistent speed partner Hello Mr President. Matt Sampson was also in the money in fourth with James Davenport’s Daniel, while Barbara Hester’s chestnut stallion Ebanking was fifth for Joe Stockdale.
This story is from the August 17, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 17, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'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
