SOUTH-EAST
Project horse Izonik and ‘keeper’ Iambic M delivered winning prelims for Kerry Mackin and Emma McGurk.
Emma scored double wins on
74% and 69.3% on her first outing with Iambic M at Petley Wood. The popular Kent-based trainer has approached starting a young horse with caution following a serious fall at a show a couple of years a go, but the Hofrat-sired four-year-old “took it all in his stride”.
“Iambic was fabulous and behaved like a total gentleman,” said Emma. “He didn’t look at the banners, the white boards or the flowers.
“The judge wrote, ‘lots of potential and a very athletic horse’. I think this one is a keeper. He could probably do a novice but for now I just want him to see the world and have a nice time.”
Izonik, the 85% winner of the four-year-old qualifier at Keysoe Premier League in April, won his prelim 19 at Step Aside with 72.29%. The 17.1hh Glock’s Zonik x Jazz gelding was bought by Kerry in partnership with Rowan Bryson to produce and sell on.
“He shows himself off in a relaxed way,” she said. “I haven’t had to produce anything; it’s all naturally there. Although big paces are nice, you do have to teach them to make them smaller otherwise they’re no good to anyone.”
Nicola Rapley Scolari’s Glory, who won both mediums with plus-71%, was preparing for Hickstead regionals. The Scolari x Sportsnight home-bred qualified for both the last nationals and the winter championships at elementary.