Marion Repeats Winning Performance
Saturday 18 June 2016
Marion Hughes became the latest two-time winner at the 2016 Bolesworth CSI **** International when she claimed a thrilling victory in the four-star two phase competition, sponsored by Horse & Hound.
Irish challenger Hughes had already showcased the talent of Heritage HHS Fortuna by dominating a speed class on Thursday, and with time again of the essence, they did not disappoint.
They raced to victory in a time of 22.89 seconds, with the top four finishers separated by just 84 hundredths of a second.
Britain's Jay Halim led the chasing pack on Abrisco, clocking 23.53, while last year's Bolesworth Grand Prix winner Yazmin Pinchen finished third on Con Chilli, with Keith Shore (Zegreanne Z) fourth and Emma Augier de Moussac (Copia) fifth.
"I thought it would be seven strides to the second last fence in the jump-off, but she got there on six, so that was obviously key," Hughes said.
"It was only a short jump-off course, but it was very twisting and turning, and she had a great shot to the last fence.
"My mare is very fast, and the ground is super. Conditions are perfect - the warm-up is perfect - and the jumping is great. Nobody can complain.
"I've been here before, and I am delighted to be back. I love the show, and I hope to keep coming here."
.JPG "Chris Smith Clinches Back-to-Back Wins in the International Stairway at Royal Highland Show")
