Vejer De La Frontera CSI2*, Spain
HOLLY SMITH and Denver were at the top of their game to take a searingly competitive 18-strong jump-offf or the end-of-tour grand prix, a 1.50m Tokyo qualifier.
“It was a two-star, but the level of the field was more like a five-star,” Holly said. “There are so many good riders here, it’s a job just to qualify for the grand prix.”
Jumping from penultimate draw, the 12-year-old ex-eventer was at his athletic best to switch fluidly from a ground-eating stride to neat and well-executed turnbacks.
Their masterful performance axed 2.49sec from the lead of on-form Germans David Will and C Vier 2, with Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Cristello collecting third place.
“He’s a very adjustable horse,” Holly said. “Like most jump-offs nowadays, it’s all about stride patterns, even on the longer runs.
We won it on the run to the double where most people did 11, 12 or more strides; we made it on 10.
“It was a difficult line to the double with a tall vertical going in, but his eventing experience means he doesn’t worry about the angle he’s coming in on, he just stays focused.”
Ian Dowie’s Albfuehren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy gelding was due a win as he had been unlucky to tip a rail in the jump off of the preceding week’s grand prix in Vilamoura, where his time had been “there or thereabouts”. He had also just added an unfortunate four faults in Saturday’s (28 November) Nations Cup, producing the strongest performance of the British squad.
The team contest had been postponed from Friday due to torrential rain, and it was not a lucky day for the British, who finished 16th out of 17 teams.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 03, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin December 03, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions