...MUM’S BOOTS AND ICE

THOMAS HOOPER led the way in the 10-strong final jump-off in the 138cm qualifier riding the already qualified Misty Bay (right).

“We jumped a good first round, a steady second and then went to win it in the third,” said Thomas who, after dropping a jump base on his foot the night before, spent the next six hours reducing the swelling with ice packs. “It was touch and go if I could ride as I couldn’t get my boot on, so I rode in mum’s boots and my own chaps. “I’m still hobbling, but everything went okay in the ring,” he added.

“Misty likes a moving course, so I steered inside lines everywhere and across the angle at number three,” continued 13-year-old Thomas, who is Hickstead-bound for the winter 138cm final and will be making his debut at Birmingham in October.