A Christmas present keeps on giving for Michael McColm with victory in the Blue Chip Feeds Pony Newcomers Masters
Wednesday 02 August 2023
Michael McColm had a Christmas to remember last year when his surprise present turned out to be a pony – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. And the lovely Legend Scais handed Michael, 13, another present at the British Showjumping National Championships as they landed the Blue Chip Feed Pony Newcomers Masters title.
The Zirocco Blue VDL X Emilion 7-year-old was only 10 miles away from the McColm family’s Lanark, Scotland home and his owner was looking for a rider.
“He was bred by Ben Wentick, an embryo transfer and a twin who just didn’t grow and his dam is full sister to Scott Brash’s [former five-star ride] Ursula,” said Michael’s Mum Natasha. “We fell in love with him straightaway and had to buy him.”
Thirty-one competitors came forward over course-designer Ben Townley’s 12-fence 1.10m track and seven came up with all the right answers to access the jump-off. Michael, who qualified for the Masters with sixth place at Bishop Burton, was determined to claim HOYS qualification here as he already has two ponies at the prestigious show – AG Dynamo in the HOYS 138cm and Tobar King in the Pony Showjumper of the Year.
The determination paid dividends with a 0.57 second victory.
“He is the best person, so loving and playful, he’s like a pet dog,” said Michael, who benefits from training with Alex Barr.
Sophie Coward-Talbott slipped Kohinoor Come On Annie into second place with Lexie Corcoran taking third aboard Dowdstown and Fynn Baker clinched fourth place with a treble clear on Vinura Bobby.
British Showjumping National Championships – Wednesday, 2 August 2023
Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters
1st Michael McColm & Legend Scais – 0/0/0 - 31.98 seconds
2nd Sophie Coward-Talbott & Kohinoor Come On Annie – 0/0/0 - 32.55 seconds
3rd Lexie Corcoran & Dowdstown – 0/0/0 - 33.95 seconds
4th Fynn Baker & Vinura Bobby – 0/0/0 - 33.98 seconds
Image: Michael McColm & Legend Scais Credit: 1st Class Images
Blue Chip Feed Ltd produce the highest quality feed balancers and supplements available in the UK; there is a feed balancer for every stage in a horse’s life to ensure optimum health and well-being. Blue Chip products are exported worldwide. For more information please visit www.bluechipfeed.com.
