Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky UK lift their third consecutive Puissance title at the London International Horse Show
Friday 15 December 2023
Guy Williams landed his third LeMieux Puissance on the trot with Caroline Phillips’ Mr Blue Sky UK and a fifth overall at the London International Horse Show with the sole clear in the three-way final round.
“I came here to win and he won. He has amazing scope and is so careful yet he’s like the family dog – my wife Rebecca and daughter Maisy both ride him,” said Guy, who appreciates the crowd at this special show – “The bounce-back from the public is amazing!”
Thirteen riders came forward to face the big red wall and it went all the way to the fifth and final round as three experienced Puissance jumpers – and all winners in their own right – vied for the win over the imposing, vibrant bricks dominating the arena.
Ireland’s Commandant Geoff Curran retired Bishops Quarter to finish third while Mark Edwards and Montreuxs Tale hit the wall for second spot. Only Guy and the super-impressive, crowd favourite Mr Blue Sky cleared an awe-inspiring 2.18m with ease to register their fourth Puissance win this year.
“He’s very good at this, he gets better as the rounds go on and settles after the first few rounds. As long as he’s going forward in the last round, I think he’d jump whatever you put up in front of him – he’s a really good jumper,” said Guy, on the Chacco-Blue x Cento 14-year-old. “He has a lot of attention; anyone comes for a riding lesson or kids come to visit, all they want to see is him. He only comes out three or four times a year to win a Puissance – he has a pretty easy life but he’s good at what he does. He’s a good horse and he’s been with us a long time; his owners bought him as a four-year-old and they’re here tonight so this is great for them.”
Image: Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky UK Credit: Peter Nixon
