Second major win for Harry Charles at The London International Horse Show
Friday 16 December 2022
The second day of The London International Horse Show, on Friday 16 December, provided top class sport and entertainment from the outset, with another exceptional start for Great Britain.
Harry Charles, fresh from his victory in the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship, took top spot in opening CSI5* class of the Show, The Champagne Taittinger Ivy Stakes (1.50m). This time he piloted Billabong du Roumois, Ecurie Zet’s 11-year-old chestnut gelding.
Fourteen combinations from 34 starters made it through to the jump off. Harry, who was first to go in a race against the clock, prevailed by almost two seconds, setting a blistering and unbeatable time of 30.60 seconds. Ireland’s Connor Swail, riding Count Me In, finished in second place, whilst Great Britain’s Jack Whitaker, rounded out the podium in third aboard Michael Whitaker’s Equine America Valmy de le Lande.
Speaking after the class, Harry said: “It’s always hard to go first, and it’s always more nerve-wracking when you try and put in a quick round. I didn’t really like watching the rest go. I went back to stables, sat down and just scrolled through TikTok. I’m happy we got through it”.
The London International Horse Show
The Champagne Taittinger Ivy Stakes (1.50m)
1st Harry Charles (GBR) & Billabong du Roumois – 0/0 – 30.60 seconds
2nd Connor Swails (IRE) & Count Me In – 0/0 – 32.36 seconds
3rd Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Valmy de la Lande – 0/0 – 33.15 seconds
Click here to see the full results
Image: Peter Nixon
