Day Five: Slater Claims Her First HOYS Win
Sunday 12 October 2014
Emma Jo Slater produced a dominant performance with Lizziemary to claim her debut Horse of the Year Show win at Birmingham's LG Arena in the Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship.
Emma Jo, from Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, delivered a blistering jump-off display aboard the eight-year-old chestnut mare, clocking 35.82 seconds to take a prestigious class that lists riders like Billy Twomey, Tim Stockdale, Tina Fletcher and Will Funnell among its previous winners.
Gloucestershire rider Jay Halim, who reached the final round of Saturday night's pulsating Tagg Puissance, was second on Abrisco, while Emma Slater and Art D'Usance took third.
"She is quite fast, but also careful, which makes it easier. She helps me out a lot," said Emma Jo, in tribute to Lizziemary.
"There were a lot of good riders to go behind me like Nicole Pavitt and Jay Halim, and I thought I might get beaten, but I didn't.
"It means a lot. I have always wanted to win here, and never quite managed it, but now I have and I am really proud.
"I think she will go on to do good stuff in the sport.
"She is careful and brave, and she isn't spooky, which is a good thing. I never have to worry about going into the arena, or anything like that."
The dates for next year’s Horse of the Year Show are 7th – 11th October 2015. Keep an eye on our website and social media for ticket release dates.
