'Bert was incredible'

A six-year-old HOYS qualifier debutant, two versatile Exmoor ponies and a Connemara with look-at-me factor steal the show

- TRICIA JOHNSON

Royal Three Counties, Three Counties Showground, Worcs

AN exciting newcomer to open workers secured a resounding win and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket at his first-ever attempt.

Libby Cooke had her winning novice Uisneagh Camus (Bert) right on song and the scopey Gortfree Hero son made light of Simon Grundy’s testing open course, which yielded just four clears from the 14 starters. Six-year-old Bert also had the top style mark of 19/20.

“The show had done a great job with the ground,” said Malvern regular Libby, who won and qualified here last year on Nelly Newton. “It was a tricky course but Bert was incredible and never looked like making a mistake – he’s a very exciting young horse.”

The hunter title went to in-form Robert Walker with Jill Day’s middleweight star, Greenhall Treasure Island, posting his fifth win from as many outings.

“The champion was pure class,” said judge Sarah Chapman. “As a rider, he made you feel amazing. I was really impressed with the heavyweight too; he’s incredibly light across the ground.”

The latter was local hero Matt Ainsworth’s ride for Sue Hookham, Dublins Street Fighter, repeating his 2021 form here. Matt was already celebrating as Lyssa Sheppard’s middleweight runner-up Alfie Connor claimed his ticket too, then later Sue Hookham’s Moylough Michael D completed the HOYS hat-trick to earn his first Birmingham pass in the maxi cob qualifier.

“We bought him during lockdown and he had a winter hunting,” said Matt. “He won some good novice classes last season and this was just his second qualifier.”