Royal Windsor Horse Show - Friday Report
Friday 02 July 2021
Day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2021 featured another typically action-packed day of top equestrian sport, with spectators treated to not one but two international classes of CSI5* Showjumping, which featured some of the world's best horse and rider combinations. The CAIO4* Land Rover International Grand Prix kicked-off in style with a competitive Dressage phase, which saw Dutchman Ijsbrand Chardon end the day in the lead, ahead of 10-time Royal Windsor champion Boyd Exell. Away from the Showground, Royal Windsor Endurance supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain got underway in the beautiful surrounds of Windsor Great Park, while the Coaching Marathon thrilled onlookers, as competitors were judged as they elegantly navigated their way down the iconic Long Walk.
The first of two CSI5* Show Jumping classes, the Manama Speed Stakes was dominated in the early stages by Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Gemma W. For the majority of the two phase competition the round was proving difficult to beat. With just six combinations remaining, Britain’s Guy Williams (fresh from success in the Royal Windsor Puissance last night) put in an inspired performance to take the lead by 1.53 seconds. However, with just a few to go, Guy Williams was then beaten by sensational Windsor debutante, 24-year-old Lillie Keenan (USA), who took the spoils with a time of 23.73 seconds on her 10-year-old stallion Agana van het Gerendal Z, and demoted Williams to second place. Home favourite, John Whitaker delighted the expectant crowd with a fantastic display of horsemanship to take third aboard Unick du Francport.
On a day that the British Olympic Show Jumping team was announced for the Tokyo Olympics, the close of the second day in the Castle Arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show was a real showcase with all four of the confirmed squad taking part; Holly Smith, Harry Charles, Scott Brash and Ben Maher. A total of 26 combinations took part in the 5* Pearl Speed Stakes, with 13 managing to make it into the jump-off.
The jump-off course looked tight and Harry Charles on Stardust went first, going clear and setting a speedy time of 36.74 seconds. He was followed by Daniel Bluman, who, whilst fast, had an unlucky four faults. Then to Holly Smith with Fruselli who managed to cut the tightest of corners and set a time of just 35.52 seconds, taking the lead and holding off the competition to take the honours. From thereon, the next 10 combinations – which included Great Britain’s Ben Maher with the incredible gelding Explosion W – couldn't catch Holly's impeccable time, leaving the Brit to take the win, making it a day to remember!
For full results and further information visit www.rwhs.co.uk
Image: Holly Smith and Fruselli
14kvaj7pl3106.jpg "Jonathan Egmore and Mollie Rose Smith are winners in the Equissage Pulse British Novice Second Rounds.")
11dtw0hmsttk0.jpg "NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers get underway at Speetley Equestrian Centre")
