Puissance Spectacular at Bolesworth International
Saturday 18 June 2016
Chloe Winchester had a puissance debut to savour when she shared victory in a thrilling class at the Bolesworth CSI **** International.
The Suffolk-based rider cleared a fourth and final round height of seven feet three inches on Shannondale Linnet to finish equal first with 16-year-old Irish prospect Michael Pender, riding Acorad 3.
Winchester, a former winner of the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead, and Pender were joined in the last round by Ireland's David Simpson on Gotti van Paemel, who was last year's Bolesworth puissance winner alongside Norway's Victoria Gulliksen.
Simpson faulted in round five, but Winchester and Pender cleared the giant wall in style as the Friday evening crowd revelled in their performances in a class sponsored by Equitop Myoplast.
"She is a very scopey horse, so we thought it might suit her, and she absolutely loved it," Winchester, 21, said.
"I have always loved the idea of a puissance, but then looking at the wall, I thought 'I hope I can get it right!' She got better with each round.
"I have had the horse since September. She is jumping 1.40 metres nationally, and gaining experience, and she loved the arena here, which is fantastic. You will have to try to stop me now in terms of the puissance!"
Pender, meanwhile, continued his successful Bolesworth show as the former European Pony Championship team silver medallist again showcased outstanding talent.
Based with Irish showjumper Marion Hughes, a winner on Bolesworth's opening day this year, he is among a crop of exciting young showjumping talent who look set for exciting futures at senior level.
Image: Chloe Winchester
