Ryan O’Sullivan races to a win in the Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the 7-year-old Championship Qualifier at Wellington Riding Centre
Tuesday 20 June 2023
Ryan O’Sullivan hit top gear on Elizabeth Hudson’s Déjà Vu V to take the Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the 7-year-old Championship Qualifier in the sun at Wellington Riding Centre, Hampshire.
“It was a very quick class and I didn’t expect to go that fast, but it worked out,” said Ryan.
Seventy competitors came forward over the 13-fence course starting at a height of 1.30m and 19 found the key to supply initial clear rounds and return for the jump-off.
It was fast at the top as riders chased the four HOYS tickets on offer – the top three plus the best-placed 7-year-old – and, with 11 providing double clears, it was all about the clock. But Ryan made short work of the track, precisely executing every tight turn on offer at a fast pace to claim the win mid-draw on Arkan x Hairos 13-year-old mare Déjà Vu to win by 0.29 seconds.
“I landed over the first, took out a stride and turned tighter than I expected but jumped across the oxer. It was going well so I kept going and the last line suited us, she’s careful so I could let her travel to the final double,” said Ryan.
Elizabeth bought this mare as a foal after owning her full sister and started competitive life with Joanne Whitaker and Paul Crago. The mare had a break before Ryan was offered the ride two years ago.
“She’s quite unique and has a personality all of her own. I have to let her do whatever she wants but if you let her go her own way, she’s all the better for it. Yes, she’s a mare but she has a lot of heart and is a real trier,” said Ryan, on the mare who has a three-week old Embryo Transfer foal on the ground by the Randi stallion Midnight Man II – a former ride of Paul Crago. “Midnight Man went to HOYS twice, now both parents have qualified for HOYS.”
Early leader Laura Mantel collected second place aboard the 8-year-old Big Star x Carlino mare Klein Stargette with Angie Thompson slotting the nine-year-old mare Kokonut Van De Nethe Z (Kasanova De La Pomme x Ewout VD Kleine Roost) into third. Michaela Scott jumped a double clear on Eddie G Z (Echo Van’t Spieveld x Jodokus) to take the best 7-year-old spot in ninth.
Wellington Riding Centre – Monday, 19 June 2023
Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the 7-year-old Championship Qualifier
1st Ryan O’Sullivan & Déjà Vu V – 0/0 - 36.88 seconds
2nd Laura Mantel & Klein Stargette – 0/0 - 37.17 seconds
3rd Angie Thompson & Kokonut Van De Nethe Z – 0/0 - 37.72 seconds
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results.
Image: Lottie Elizabeth Photography
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