Royal Windsor Horse Show – Final Day
Jumping
John Whitaker headed a thrilling Alltech Grand Prix on the final day of this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show with Uniek.
Spectators packed the grandstands to watch the grand finale of an action filled week of show jumping and were treated to a great afternoon’s entertainment.
Seven of the 23 starters jumped course designer Bob Ellis’s course clear to go forward to the jump-off, in which the order of going was dictated by time taken to complete the first round.
Only three jumped clear again. Dan Moseley was the first of these with Carol Toliver’s Kepi D’Elle. Although he was quick, he was immediately bettered by Charlotte Platt and Paulien. Another two faulted before John and Andy and Alou Brake’s Uniek performed a series of perfectly judged turns and came home 0.29 seconds faster still.
None of the remaining riders left the course intact and John claimed the £4,100 first prize.
“Charlotte was very quick, so beating her time was something in itself,” said John. “Every turn came off really well or me and the [Martin Collins International surface] footing is good, you know exactly what you’re going to get.”
James Fisher claimed the morning’s speed stakes with his homebred Lowriver Queen, who is out of his former top international horse Bowriver Queen. He held on to his lead despite a last minute attack on his target by Nick Charles and Kyiane Du Mont.
“I nearly put her in the grand prix, but I don’t think she’s done enough to be quite ready for it yet,” said James. “Confidence is everything and I’m building her up to jumping bigger classes, but it’s nice to win a bit on the way. And it’s great to get a win at Royal Windsor, because it’s actually my local show.”
Alltech Grand Prix winner John Whitaker just missed out on a second win on the final day of the show in the seven- and eight-year-old championship. He was beaten into second place on Argento by Peter Lear and Urlanmore Aldi.
For the first time in the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games final’s 31-year history, the Republic of Ireland claimed victory. They went into the final in pole position and held their lead throughout the seven races.
“There was a lot of pressure on them,” said team trainer Chris Ahearne. “They held their nerve and went brilliantly.”
Showing
HUNTER ponies were the focus of celebrity attention on Sunday as TV chef Jamie Oliver, accompanied by two of his daughters, presented the Show Hunter Pony Championship trophy to Katie Roberts and Rhoden Master Frederick.
Katie, who has partnered the 10-year-old chestnut gelding for three years, said the special guest had come as a nice surprise.
“It was unexpected,” she said, “I am a fan of his.”
Rhoden Master Frederick made it a hat trick as he took Royal Windsor’s Show Hunter Pony 133cms class for the third consecutive year before claiming the championship ahead of Georgia Darlington and 122cms contender Wortley Celebration.
Working hunter ponies were also in the spotlight, with Amy White thrilled to take the top spot with her new ride and 143cms winner Sannan Valley Bobby Sox.
Amy has been riding the Welsh section B cross by Rudgeway Charming Prince for just two weeks.
“He was a really good boy,” said Amy, “I’ve never ridden him in a championship before.”
Amy has recently taken over the ride after Sannan Valley Bobby Sox’s usual partner injured her back.
“He was just sat in the field doing nothing,” said Amy, “I am not sure how long I will have the ride for but I love riding him.”
Reserve went to 133 cms skewbald gelding My Blue Eyed Boy, ridden by Millie Wonnacott.
