Aston-le-Walls, Northants
DUTCH rider Andrew Heffernan said that he is “appreciating horses and competing more than ever” following his win in the Dassett Eventing CCI4*-S with Harthill Phantom.
“I think having my Dutch eventing team coach job has taken the pressure off my riding and I’m really enjoying it,” said Andrew, for whom this was a first four-star victory.
Harthill Phantom, who Andrew owns in conjunction with the Top Eventers Syndicate, “surprised” his connections when topping the leaderboard in a section with over 100 starters.
“He has a massive heart and is a real trier, but he’s not a big-moving horse and he doesn’t have a natural jump, meaning he doesn’t find it as easy as some, so I didn’t expect him to win,” said Andrew, who will now aim this 13-year-old by Hollins Hall for Burghley.
“He did a great test for him to score 28.3 and then show-jumped well for one second over the time,” said Andrew. “I’ve always found him strong across country, but he was better today and perhaps his last run in the CCI4*-L at Millstreet has helped him grow up a little bit. He has always been fantastically brave and straight, but he was much more rideable today.”
Andrew bought Harthill Phantom from Richard Long in 2019, when he had done a handful of intermediates.
“He reminds me of Millthyme Corolla, who took me around some of the biggest events in the world, including the 2012 Olympics, because I love riding him and he really tries for me.”
It was almost a truly exceptional weekend for Andrew, who would have finished first and second had it not been for a missed flag penalty with Gideon II, who still managed to finish 10th.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin July 13, 2023 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 July 13, 2023 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
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
