Another Tuff at the top
AFTER finishing second in their first attempt at the level, Mikey Tuff and Cupidam went one place better to win the 1.40m open.
Mikey has been riding Julie Cooper’s 13-year-old since 2016, but the Dutch-bred gelding has been at his Devon yard for only a short time.
“Julie used to have Cupidam at home and deliver him to shows for me to ride, but she had serious health problems nine months ago and he came to me,” explained Mikey. “He’s a wonderful horse because he always gives everything. All he wants to do is clear the fences.”
Mikey spent 18 months riding for Shane Breen, where he met his partner Harriet Webb. They now run their Lillisford Equestrian business at Mikey’s home base, where all his family is involved in showjumping. Mikey was chased all the way at Bicton by his 17-year-old nephew, Oliver Tuff, who finished second and third on Homemade Danga SW and Felix X.
“It’s always good to manage to beat Oliver. We can’t have him getting too confident,” joked Mikey.
Although his Dartmoor base sounds remote, Mikey feels lucky to be not too far from some top venues.
“As well as Bicton, we have Chard around 90 minutes away. They’re both brilliant facilities and are almost home-from-homes for me,” he said.
Two shows at Bicton over three days gave riders plenty of opportunity to shine. Chloe Reynolds (Grenadier Volo) and Alice Watson (Gift Of My Blue) were 1.30m winners, while Rachel Vicary’s three wins included a 1.20m double on the 19-year-old pony Sparkling Indulgence.
“Cupidam always gives his
everything”
MIKEY TUFF