Sandy McLean claims victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Grades B&C Qualifier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
Monday 04 November 2024
Sandy McLean galloped to the top of the podium in the UNIBED - High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C qualifier with brand new ride Congo Khalasar SFS at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic in Cheshire.
“This was my first proper show with him, he’s a nice, big, quality horse,” said Sandy, who bought the nine-year-old just a week earlier and jumped a couple of 1.20m classes before travelling to Kelsall Hill for the Winter Classic.
Fifty-nine competitors came forward over lead course designer Shaun Sands and assistant course designer John Bedford’s 13-fence 1.35m track and such was the quality, 23 produced initial clears to bid for the two coveted Royal International Horse Show passes on offer. However, the on-form Sandy had three rides in the jump-off, speeding to his first win on the Billy Congo x Quintender gelding with 1.24 seconds to spare.
“There were lots of clears and it was a fast class. I was very quick to the first four fences then slowed up to make sure I got home clear,” said Sandy, who purchased the rangy British-bred bay nine-year-old from Chloe Reynolds. “I’ve only ridden him in the ring five times but he’s very careful, agile and adjustable for a big horse.”
The budding partnership, however, was short-lived.
“I really liked him and was planning to keep him for a while, but he obviously caught the eye and he was sold at the show, travelling home with his new owners,” added Sandy.
Jessica Hewitt finished second for the final Hickstead qualifying place on the Vitaal G x Rufus Z 12-year-old Arbitrage, who already has experience of the International arena after taking second in the ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard at the 2024 4* Hickstead Derby meeting.
UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre Winter Classic – 3 November 2024
1st Sandy McLean & Congo Khalasar SFS – 0/0 - 32.88
2nd Bruno Freire & Drewmain Meira – 0/0 - 34.21
3rd Anthony Condon & SFS Houdini – 0/0 - 34.39
NB Results pending final grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
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