Jessica Hewlett and Ilmar HBC land the 2* Grand Prix on the Barcelona Christmas Tour in this week’s International round-up
Monday 27 November 2023
.JPG "Jessica Hewlett and Ilmar HBC land the 2* Grand Prix on the Barcelona Christmas Tour in this week’s International round-up")
Jessica Hewlett hit top form with Ilmar HBC at the Barcelona Christmas Tour, Spain, to head the 2* Grand Prix.
“He’s the most incredibly special little horse and I really treasure the partnership I have with him,” said Jessica. Every time he goes in the ring he tries his absolute heart out, always knows when he’s done well and knows exactly what a rosette is!”
Fifty-three competitors set out over the world ranking 13-fence 1.45m track but only six came up with all the right answers.
“The course asked plenty of questions but it suited ‘Kenny’ with a tight time allowed and we went on the inside lines for the first couple of distances and really got the rhythm he likes best,” added Jessica. “They have an amazing big ring here and a super atmosphere with lots of the public coming to watch the Grand Prix, two of Kenny’s favourite things.”
Jessica, who used the first day’s 1.35m to pop Kenny round and keep him sweet and confident, took advantage of his careful demeanour over a fence in the Grand Prix jump-off and the Dantos HBC x Voltaire 10-year-old forged ahead to win by more than two seconds.
“We gave it our best shot, taking one less stride down each distance, and it was the best feeling in the world when it paid off,” said Jessica. “He’s such a careful horse I knew I could trust him at each fence, even the tall vertical after a long gallop that many others had to steady for.”
Robert Murphy jumped to the top in Saturday’s 4* 1.45m with Hulde G at Rouen in France.
Sixty-five competitors came forward in this world ranking speed class but Robert outpaced them all on the 11-year-old Vigo D’Arsouilles x Warrant mare, winning by 0.65 seconds.
“She competed at a high level in Nations Cup and World Cup competitions with Pieter Clemens last year and I’ve been building her back up for the past two or three months after a break,” said Robert. “I really like her, but she’s got personality, likes her privacy and you have to get her on side to get the best out of her. She’s only small like a pony but she has a stride of a bigger horse and is so quick, she covers the ground despite her size.
“The show organisers were welcoming and accommodating and put on a great show – I hope to be back next year.”
Robert has been based in Belgium with Jos Lansink since March through the Rolex Young Riders Academy.
“I’m very fortunate to jump at nice shows on good horses and very grateful to Jos and the Young Riders Academy for the opportunity,” added Robert.
Tim Gredley claimed third in the top-billed 4* Rouen Grand Prix with Medoc De Toxandria.
The 50 starters were reduced to 12 for the jump-off by French course-designer Gregory Bodo’s 13-fence 1.55m track. Three double clears were recorded, Tim and the Der Senaat 111 11-year-old finishing 4.40 seconds behind the winner, France’s Penelope Leprevost on Texas.
Robert Whitaker jumped into third in Friday’s 4* 1.50m with Caroline Blatchford’s Vermento. Eight of the original 70 starters qualified for the jump-off with Robert and the Argento x Skippy 12 10-year-old just 0.43 seconds away from the winner, Ireland’s Jonathan Gordon on Capri.
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