John Crippen turns forgotten breeches into a success story with victory in the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C qualifier at Dorset County Show
Tuesday 05 September 2023
John Crippen and occasional catch-ride You Two Touchdown claimed the final British Horse Feeds Speed-Beet HOYS Grade C qualifier of 2023 at Dorset County, aided by a lucky omen.
“I’d forgotten my britches so had to buy a pair when I got to the show – women’s britches were all the tradestand had. [My wife] Bryony was competing in the same class, so I had no choice but to buy and wear them,” said John.
“It wasn’t until twenty minutes into the journey I realised I hadn’t packed my breeches. There was no time to turn back so I messaged Joe Fernyhough to see if he had a spare pair, but he’d already left home. It was a long trip but definitely worthwhile – the ground was good and jumped well, it was a nice, relaxed atmosphere at the show and I had one horse, one class and a win, you can’t ask for more than that. Maybe I’ll wear women’s britches more often!”
Seven of the original 12 starters jumped initial clears over course-designer Andrew Palmer’s 12-fence 1.35m track to make their way into the jump-off. Only two double clears were evident, John guiding Kim Barzilay’s 7-year-old into the top spot with almost three seconds to spare.
“He’s a shared horse; Emma-Jo [Slater] usually rides him, but if we’re not going to a certain show, either John or Ben Walker will take him. John rang and asked to borrow him and now he’ll take the ride in the final as he qualified him,” said Kim.
The Warrenstown You 2 x Touchdown gelding, bought 14 months ago from Mischa Pitt, has also qualified for the HOYS Newcomers after winning with Emma-Jo at Pyecombe.
“Mischa rang and said she had a nice one she’d love to see Emma-Jo produce. We had him for a couple of weeks and I decided to buy him to sell on and we’ve had a great time with him,” added Kim.
Joe Fernyhough claimed second place aboard the Westpoint Quickfire/Landjunge 7-year-old mare Calcourt Countdown with Ella Dalton providing the fastest four-fault round for the third and final qualifying place on the 10-year-old mare Cajou Van Overis Z (Celano/Chellano Z).
Dorset County – Sunday, 3 September 2023
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Qualifier
1st John Crippen & You Two Touchdown – 0/0 - 45.79 seconds
2nd Joe Fernyhough & Calcourt Countdown – 0/0 - 48.58 seconds
3rd Ella Dalton & Cajou Van Overis Z – 0/4 - 46.00 seconds
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results.
Image: Jayphotos.co.uk
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet:
Long term sponsor British Horse Feeds is the equine feed division of the family business, I’Anson Holdings, animal feed manufacturers based in Masham, North Yorkshire. British Horse Feeds is best known for its flagship product Speedi-Beet which, thanks to the unique patented process has revolutionized the feeding of beet pulp. Speedi-Beet has improved nutrient availability and soaks in just 10 minutes, compared to 24 hours for sugar beet pellets. It’s a great way to add quality fibre to your horse’s diet for slow release energy. Fibre-Beet, a formulated blend containing Speedi-Beet and alfalfa has the benefits of Speedi-Beet with extra conditioning.
For more information and expert advice from our nutritional team contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit our website on www.britishhorsefeeds.com
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