STOCKDALE FULFILS HIS DREAM BY WINNING THE €200,000 LONGINES KING GEORGE V GOLD CUP

Sunday 01 August 2010

 
Hickstead saw one of the most hotly contested fights for the coveted solid gold trophy in the Longines King George V Gold Cup this afternoon at the All England Jumping Course. A prestigious and historic competition that saw the trophy buried in the grounds of Hickstead during the war incase it should be stolen and then dug up again afterwards is one of the most sought after titles in the Showjumping calendar with it’s €200,000 prize fund and dates back to the early 1900's.
With seven of the forty four starters in the competition going clear in the first round, the spectators crowding the grandstand knew they would be in for a jump-off that would be close to gladiatorial in the way that the riders would take each other on.  

The first clear in the jump-off came early on with Robert Smith and Di & Pennie Cornish’s bay stallion Talan who’s scope was all too evident for everyone to see as was the elation Robert showed with this talented horses performance. Punching the air in elation Robert then walked the horse around the warm-up arena waiting to for the remaining five to enter the arena.
With the four following Robert each incurring four faults it was only left for Tim Stockdale and the  impressive nine year old gelding Fresh Direct Kalico Bay that could possibly catch him. Knowing they had to beat Roberts time of 59.53, Tim let this long striding horse just cover the ground taking the jumps in his stride whilst also remembering that the last fence was the one that had been causing the problems with most of those that had gone before him. Coming to the last, Tim was just over a second up on Robert and taking a massive clean jump over the last the gap opened up to almost two seconds bringing him through the finish clear in a time of 57.65.
Tim, a rider with true grit, determination and dedication to the sport saw it really pay off today as it allowed him to fulfil one of his longest standing ambitions by winning this coveted title.  Talking afterwards with much emotion Tim said  “To say I’m on cloud nine wouldn’t be enough, it’s much much higher than that! This is just fantastic, it’s something I’ve wanted ever since I was young and saw Mike Saywell win it. I remember watching him being presented and saying to myself that I want to win that one day – and now I have I just can’t explain what it’s like
"Kalico Bay is just the most amazing horse and I really can’t praise him enough. He was absolutely top man today, he’s only nine years old, this would be the biggest he’s ever jumped and he came out here wanting to take them on.  The first round had a few hairy moments as he’d never have seen a course like this before but he is so genuine he does whatever he can to clear them.  How can you not be impressed with him. I’d also like to say that this win isn’t just for me, this is also for Ann and Colin Garratt his owners. They’ve been with me for many many years, owning the fantastic horse Parcival for me  a decade ago and I’m so thrilled that they’ve another superstar coming through, they are the most wonderful owners and are so passionate about the sport it’s just wonderful for them.”

The combination now join other famous names who have won the King George V Gold Cup such as Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter, David Broome and Mister Softee along with Sportsman, Philco, Mr Ross and Lannegan. Harvey Smith and Mattie Brown amongst many others.

RESULTS
1.     Tim Stockdale/Fresh Direct Kalico Bay  0/0 (57.65)
2.     Robert Smith/Talan                                0/0 (59.53)
3.     Kevin Staut/Le Prestige St Lois              0/4 (56.83)
4.     William Funnell/Billy Congo                    0/4 (59.55)
5.     Ellen Wthiaker/Locarno 62                      0/4 (61.97)
6.     Tina Fletcher/Hallo Sailor                       0/4 (63.26)