SUNDAY AT HICKSTEAD & THE KING GEORGE V GOLD CUP

 

Nine riders made it through to the CSIO 5* Grand Prix jump-off, out of 47 starters, with young British talents Joe Clayton and Louise Pavitt amid the nine. But Henrik-Jan Schuttert and the 11 year-old mare Cerona H S, the second-last pair to go, took the lead from French lady rider Marie Hecart. Having posted the fastest time, Henrik had a nervous wait as the former Olympic Champion Ludger Beerbaum was still to jump, but Ludger’s time was fractionally slower and the German had to settle for second.

 

A delighted Henrik said: "This is just amazing for me – to win a show like this is so special. When I went into the lead and saw the time, I knew I could have gone quicker, and with Ludger after me, I thought I was second for sure. But it was not his day, which is excellent for me."

 

Earlier today, 22-year-old Joe Clayton won the Royal International Accumulator on Antello Z. It was a fantastic ride by a talented young rider, who took tight lines to clock a quick time of 44.57sec.

 

It was a much-deserved victory, and Joe says: “It's just fantastic to win a big international class at an event like Hickstead. I've gone close all week, and this horse was second in another class here so it's great to finally win."

 

Despite inclement weather in the run up to the Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead’s team pulled out all the stops to ensure the show could go on. The weather improved throughout the week and the weekend in particular saw the showground enjoy packed stands and glorious sunshine.