Richard Black’s pick from 200 foals at a Verden auction, Furst Ruprecht, claimed his third win in two outings.
SOUTH-EAST Hickstead, West Sussex | Oldencraig, Surrey | Pachesham, Surrey
The Furst Nymphenburg x Royal Blend five-year-old’s debut novice gold wins at Brendon Stud last month were joined by a 72.42% novice 38 qualifier at Hickstead.
“I was pleased with his medium trots. We went through a stage where he would just canter when I asked,” said Richard.
He also explained why he chose “Rupy” out of so many: “He had three easy, adjustable gaits, even at that age. He doesn’t have massive paces but he has a solid temperament. Unfortunately he’s only made 16.1hh, so I have to take my stirrups up.”
Fujairah Royal Stables’ rider Georgia Hyson is enjoying early success with the Sungold x Licotus eight-year-old Royal Sunlight, who was placed seventh in bundeschampionate in Germany aged six. They scored plus-71% for an advanced medium freestyle at Merrist Wood last month and this week at Oldencraig they produced a 73.23% advanced medium 85.
“He’s humungous for me, as
I’m 5ft 3in and he’s around 17.1hh, but his temperament is amazing,” said Georgia. “He can get a bit stressed competing but this time he gave me all his attention. The only negative was his rider not having enough confidence to ask for more in the medium trots.”
Hayley Pile, riding Jane Manley’s Don Frederico nineyear-old Danilo II at Pachesham, won both advanced mediums, scoring 67.5% in the qualifier. It was the combination’s second outing at the level.