Matt Sampson flies to victory in the Christmas Pudding Stakes at London International Horse Show

It seemed the first of the international classes on the card at the London International Horse Show would fall into foreign hands with Ireland, Portugal and France the leading contenders for the top three.  But last to go Matt Sampson had other ideas as he made his return to London, 12 months after winning the 5* Grand Prix, a winning one. 

“It’s a great start! She’s a fantastic horse, so careful and has been knocking on the door for a win like that – I’m very happy,” said Matt, the final rider of 36 to face course-designer Guilherme Jorge’s (Brazil) 11-fence 1.45m speed track. 

There was never a doubt Matt would declare defeat as he galloped through the starting gates on Isabel Fox’s MGH Candy Girl and he fought all the way to head leader Ireland’s Conor Swail’s time on Casturano.  Taking risky tight turns at optimum pace, Candy Girl matched Matt’s fervour to slice the time by an amazing 1.63 seconds. 

“She’s not really competed in such an environment with the atmosphere and the crowd.  Some horses get a bit nervous and some rise to it – she rose to it,” said Matt, who credited Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens for guiding this mare through to 3* 145/1.50m classes – “Gemma produced her here in Britain; this is a joint win and a lot is down to Gemma’s hard work. 

Matt was also full of admiration for Candy Girl, the Sligo Candy Boy x Cruising 10-year-old he took over in January. 

“She’s a very fast horse. I watched Conor’s round and tried to take the exact same round.  I knew she was naturally quicker. She hasn’t got a massive stride so I could move forward and Conor had to slow down a little. I didn’t need to do anything crazy, just ride a good round for her and luckily, it worked out. 

“She’s jumped in a lot of different rings and it definitely helps to have a nimble horse in this ring, especially with this type of course with a lot of turns. The World Cup and the Grand Prix are the ones to aim for but every class in London is one you want to win – everyone’s trying.” 

The ambitions and aims of Matt – originally from Sheffield at his parents Parklands Equestrian Centre and now based between Canada and Europe as he competes across the globe – shine through clearly. 

“The first time I rode here [in the 5* classes] I ran out of luck in the jump-off of the World Cup and Grand Prix, but it made me want to come back and go better; and it worked out last year [winning the Grand Prix] with the amazing Ebolensky.   

“I didn’t have her [Candy Girl] last year.  She’s very sensitive, a real character; she’s so careful and notices every single thing – someone in the crowd, me looking at a fence too early.  She’s a little bit hyperactive, but I think I probably am too, so it works out.”  

Image: Peter Nixon