Whitaker wizardry
Robert Whitaker monopolises the grand prix, Helen Tredwell is on a roll and the Fletcher youngsters also deliver
ROBERT WHITAKER took Saturday here by storm, netting £5,500 after adding the top two places in the grand prix to his earlier accumulator victory. It was an absolute tour de force in the grand prix from Robert, who faced five top-class rivals in a jump-off that kept a large crowd thoroughly entertained.
Kelvin Bywater’s first-round track was up to height but flowed well. The jump-off included several tempting turns into big verticals, plus a crowd-pleasing gallop to the final oxer, and Robert laid down his challenge from first in on Cash Sent, setting off at the gallop on the 10-year-old Verdi gelding.
“I don’t think Rob’s left anything,” said one of his rivals, and as the jump-off progressed it seemed certain that Cash Sent would top the line.
Jane Annett jumped a super
double clear on Chacco Gold for fifth, while Helen Tredwell and Larksong pinged round for fourth. One of the biggest cheers of the day came for 14-year-old Oliver Fletcher and the nineyear-old Hello Discko Boy DN, who jumped a fabulous — albeit steady — clear round for eventual sixth place.
It was then Robert Whitaker’s turn on his second ride Noble Warrior. The eight-year-old by Warrior jumped clear again, thundering down to the last to take over the lead by 0.23 of a second.
The final challenge came from Alfie Bradstock and KBIS Caicos, and although they couldn’t get near Robert’s times, a quick clear put them into third.
“I didn’t expect to beat myself!” said Robert after Noble Warrior’s round. “I really wanted to win on them both, but I do own Cash Sent with Elaine Wood and the £3,000 first prize would have come in handy.”
Robert has been riding
Noble Warrior (Wombat) from the beginning of 2015 and the stallion’s achievements over the past two years have included Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) newcomers, grade C and Talent Seekers qualifications.
“I’m so pleased with Wombat. He’s been knocking on the door of a big win,” said Robert. “Cash Sent had some problems with a
pulled muscle and it’s lovely to feel him confident and getting going again.”
Robert’s earlier win in the accumulatro came on a new ride, Henry Turrell’s home-bred Caretino Glory gelding Blaze Of Glory. Henry produced Blaze Of Glory to grade A and this was Robert’s first show with the 10-year-old.
“He’s my only horse at that level and to do it properly you need three or four,” explained Henry. “Robert needed another horse, so I said he could ride mine for a bit while I enjoy being an owner.”
TREDWELL WARMS UP FOR BIG WIN
HELEN TREDWELL loves this show and she began Friday with a close second place on Remi Argentux in the 1.30m two-phase behind Tim Page and the flying mare Elvera. Tim has ridden Marcus Kirk’s Dutch-bred eight-year-old for a year and they rarely leave a show without a red rosette.
“She didn’t feel right after Herts County, so I gave her four weeks in the field and she’s as good as new,” said Tim. “She’s not very big but she’s a real winner because she’s incredibly careful and has a big heart.”
Later in the day, Helen (Larksong) and Tim (Duc D’Arsouilles) were among the five riders who jumped off for the £1,200 first prize in the area trial. Fences fell everywhere but the test finished with a combination that proved influential.
Duc D’Arsouilles opened the jump-off and Tim must have been cursing the four faults he carried through, as the chestnut gelding jumped a speedy clear second time around and moved up to fourth place.
The first double clear was an impressive one from Jane Annett and Chacco Gold. This Germanbred eight-year-old, who won the seven- and eight-year-old final at Hickstead’s Derby meeting, has only just stepped up to the level, but he gave the fences feet to spare.
“I’ve produced him slowly because he stands around 17.3hh, but I think he has grand prix potential. He’s got it all and makes everything feel easy,” said Jane, who finished third.
Urged on by bosses Graham and Tina Fletcher, Alfie Bradstock then took a narrow lead on KBIS Caicos, but he had to be content with the runner-up spot after Larksong zoomed round to win by almost two seconds.
Helen and Larksong finished one place behind Alfie last year, but the 12-year-old Vangelis S mare is enjoying a fabulous season and certainly put things right today.
“I’m going to jump at the Great Yorkshire for the first time this year, so this was a great warm-up,” said Helen. “Although she’s getting better about jumping on mud, she much prefers good to firm going and it was perfect today.”
FLETCHER’S BID FOR GLORY
SUNDAY’S speed classic may have been held at 8am, but early risers were in for a treat. There were options and short cuts galore, with four seconds added for every fence down.
The in-form Robert Whitaker took an early lead on Lisa Hickey’s Exclusive X, but six horses later Will Fletcher set an unbeatable time with a super-smooth round on Glory Rose. Abbe BurchmoreEames and Casti Aneira were Will’s closest challengers, finishing 0.64 of a second in arrears.
As well as the £1,000 first prize, there was an extra bonus for Will, 18, whose consistency on his father Graham’s nine-year-old Caretino Glory mare netted him another £1,000 as the show’s leading rider.
“I’m absolutely chuffed. I don’t really win very much and I’ve never been leading rider at a show like this before, but she jumped so well. She’s a real trier,” said Will, who has just finished his A levels and will now have a year out.
There was almost £25,000 in prize money on offer over the three days, and after a “so near yet so far” sort of show, Tracy Priest and Caristo VDL showed what they are made of to win the closing Detling stakes after a terrific eight-horse jumpoff. Tracy and her 10-year-old Silverstone gelding looked totally unhurried to reduce the time by 0.39 of a second.
“I wouldn’t usually jump all three days and I only brought him here today because he’s so fresh,” said Tracy.