Emperor defeats top-class field
A Connemara pony gains his fourth successive HOYS place, while a new mother takes the Olympia ticket
VANESSA CLARK’S decision to leave haymaking to her husband for a day paid off handsomely when her stunning Connemara stallion Castle Emperor defeated a top-class field to become Hon Dawn Gooch’s choice as Cuddy in-hand champion.
Emperor, whose glowing golden dun coat makes him stand out, began by becoming Linda Impey’s choice as breed champion. Then it was off to the mountain and moorland (M&M) in-hand supreme, where he was called forward as champion by Allan Robertson. Finally, he again stood out in the show’s main
Astor ring and Dawn Gooch had no hesitation in awarding him his fourth successive place in the Cuddy in-hand final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Reserve went to Jane Townshend’s two-year-old Classictop Up & At It, a lovely, loose mover by Up With The Lark who was champion of the in-hand hack/riding horse classes.
“We were so busy that I nearly didn’t come,” said an elated Vanessa, who left Lincolnshire at 11.30pm the previous evening and arrived at the showground at 3.30am the following day.
The six-year-old Emperor was bred in Ireland by Henry O’Toole, also the breeder of his sire, Vanessa’s former HOYS ridden supreme Castle Comet, and is out of a French Connemara mare.
“When Henry booked Comet’s semen, I asked for first refusal on the foal,” explained Vanessa. “I watched him run loose and bought him on the spot.
“One of the nicest things about today was that he went under three people who had never judged him before and they all loved him.”
Sunday was a great day for dun Connemara ponies, as the M&M working hunter pony title went to Frances Goodsir’s 12-year-old mare Sydserff Golden Wych Elm.
Frances bought “Elm” aged four from her Scottish breeder.
“Elm loves to jump, but she also does dressage. That’s why I like Connemaras. They’re so versatile,” she said.
NEW MUM SETS A CHRISTMAS DATE
LAUREN ELLIOTT was almost speechless after she and the freemoving Fell stallion Tarnbeck Septimus took the Olympia ticket at the end of some well-filled ridden M&M classes. West Sussex-based Lauren, who has had Septimus on loan from owner Tamsin Hughes for three seasons, gave birth to daughter Eva just eight weeks before the show.
“I can’t believe it. It will be our first time at Olympia,” she said. “Septimus has the most incredible temperament and because I couldn’t ride after Eva was born, I got him fit by long-reining him along the lanes with the baby in a sling.”
Show ponies arrived in good numbers to chase HOYS qualification and there was a huge cheer when the 138cm winners, Zara Clark and Rhos Emperor (Jack), became champions. This fabulous pony was then called forward as show pony supreme.
Producer Elliee Stunt was leaping with joy when Jack also took his HOYS ticket on the day.
“He’s the best pony in the world and I wouldn’t swap him for anything. He’s taught Zara so much,” she said.
A potential star impressed in these classes. Brenda Moody’s sixyear-old Chiddock Pocket Watch showed a super temperament under rider Carys Holley to win the novice class before capturing her HOYS ticket with a win in the 128cm section.
A show pony was called forward to take the HOYS ticket in the ridden part-bred class. Roseberry Stud’s five-year-old part-bred Arab mare Roseberry Celebration was shown beautifully by Gemma Pallett, who has produced her this year.
“What makes her so special is that she’s a real blood pony with the most incredible temperament,” said Gemma, 16.
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QUITE a few of those forward in the HOYS show hunter pony classes had come straight here from North of England show the previous day (report, p78). Among them was Emma Edwards-Brady’s 122cm Gryngallt Page Too, who won at both shows and was champion here for 12-year-old Libby Grota.
Emma bought Page Too for her seven-year-old son Harry, who has already followed the Eggesford hounds with the little chestnut and took the HOYS mini show pony title here with his lead-rein pony Fofsway Peregrine. Emma said: “Harry can’t wait to take Page Too over full-time. The pony is a star. He can come off the lorry and go straight into the ring.”
Reserve went to Charlotte Tuck and the 133cm winner Longvalley Minstrel. Charlotte, 12, was setting her own record over the weekend, as she took HOYS tickets in the 122cm, 133cm and 143cm classes in two days.
Justine Armstrong-Small’s incredible season continued when she and Andor O took their umpteenth working hunter title.
“I’m absolutely delighted because his jumping round felt so fluent and then Matt Ainsworth, who hadn’t judged us before, called him ‘awesome’ after riding him,” said Justine.
She has no great ambitions for the 12-year-old gelding, who also showjumps at Foxhunter level.
“I was thinking of selling him, but I’ve changed my mind and I’m just going to enjoy him. It’s not all about the money,” added Justine, who went on to win the hack championship on the six-year-old Carrhouse Dare To Be.
The huge Astor ring is the ideal place to show off a hunter’s gallop and Katie Jerram-Hunnable did just that to take the tricolour on the lightweight winner, The Imperial Choice.