CORE STRENGTH

INTER I winner Helen Dutton has no doubt that her victory on Valdorama D (above) owes plenty to a stronger core.

“I was not expecting to win as, although he has the most amazing work ethic, he can boil over,” said Helen. “I’ve really put in time in the gym of late, and with a stronger core I find I can hold him more with my body and let him out in front rather than having to hang on. I really felt the difference today.”

The Flemmingh x Good Times 16-year-old will head back to Myerscough in a few weeks’ time for the Premier League and then maybe a CDI in the summer. Helen has had the horse for two years now.

“It’s all thanks to my parents,” said Helen, who won two regional titles at this show two years ago on Welsh cob Rowangarth Rhydian. “Up to now, everything I’ve had has been a cheap purchase or homebred. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to get Valdorama and, luckily, due to the fact he can be tricky, he was affordable.”