Paddy pounces
Five-year-old heavyweight hunter Doorleys Prince takes the coloured championship at only his fourth ridden show, but there’s tough competition from a fellow Team Wood equine in Login Lucky Lad
YOUTH triumphed over experience in a hard-fought CHAPS coloured championship where, after a nailbiting wait, the top spot went to Simon Charlesworth with Martin Wood’s hugely impressive plaited horse victor, Doorleys Prince (Paddy), a five-year-old heavyweight hunter attending only his fourth ever show under saddle.
Team Wood rivalry was rife, as he pipped an ultra-determined Michaela Wood with her beloved native stallion Login Lucky Lad, class winner for the fourth year running and reserve last season too (see box, right).
Standards were again high in this popular section and all eight contenders fully deserved their places.
“It was very close in the championship, and the gallop was the decider. They had everything to fight for and the large horse really went for it,” said Karen McTiffin-Thomas, who officiated alongside ride judge James Munro.
“Paddy did one show last year and two this year, winning and standing champion each time. He was unbeaten when shown in-hand and now he’s unbeaten under saddle too,” said a clearly delighted Martin, who bought the horse from Ireland as a yearling.
Paddy’s jockey Simon Charlesworth was amazed and thrilled in equal measure.
“It was a massive ask to bring Paddy here but he pulled it out of the bag and just got better and better,” he said. “He has a wonderful mindset and the heart of a lion — he’s also one of the kindest horses you could ever wish to deal with. He stands a good
17hh but my four-year-old son
Jac rode him back to the stable.
“Paddy makes you remember why you wanted to show horses in the first place — working with him is a total joy.”
Team Wood had three animals through to the finale, as Katie White deputised for Michaela, second in her class on the plaited pony Palmira.
Champlers Allsort, a sevenyear-old bred — and still owned — by long-term coloured supporter Rosemary Obbard, was Palmira’s vanquisher in the strong plaited pony class. This mannerly skewbald mare, produced by
Team Ramsay, was beautifully ridden by Hannah Horton, who broke her in and has campaigned her throughout. This term’s tally includes titles at South of England and Stoneleigh, and a reserve at New Forest.
Jayne Ross piloted Rachel McCourt’s reigning Royal International heavyweight cob winner and ridden coloured horse champion Rockstone Raven to head the unplaited horses, improving on last year’s second place. The pair also finished third in the heavyweight cobs.
“He’s a really genuine little horse with a huge heart and engine,” said Jayne. “This makes him a great goer both indoors and outdoors — a horse you can always rely on.”