William Rekert takes the victory in the Events Through a Lens Talent Seekers
Thursday 09 October 2025
fuuele0kh8qq.JPG "William Rekert takes the victory in the Events Through a Lens Talent Seekers")
William Rekert completed a thrilling opening day’s action at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the Events Through a Lens Talent Seekers, incorporating the seven-year-old Championship.
Just a few hours after Pippa Goddard, who is based in the same Kent yard as William, won the Senior Newcomers Championship, there was further success for the Canterbury-based team.
Six combinations made it through to the jump-off, and only 68 hundredths of a second covered the top three, with William guiding Fifty Shades of Grey, owned by Thomas Williams, home in a time of 32.20 seconds.
Hot on his heels was British Olympian Holly Smith, who finished second aboard Nike van het Singraven, jointly owned by Holly and TJ Hall Ltd, and took the honours as newly-crowned seven-year-old champion.
Harriet Hodge and Lethal Weapon IV completed the podium places, while Holly additionally claimed fourth place in a strong start to the week for her on No Limit D.
Previous winners of the Talent Seekers include Nick Skelton, Robert Whitaker and Trevor Breen, and William joined them on a horse he only started riding earlier this year.
“He has been the best horse I have ever ridden,” said William, who had a HOYS debut to savour. “He has been absolutely brilliant all season, and I am very lucky to have him.
“He jumped super. It is my first time in that ring, so a really good start to the week. There was a good buzz, and I really enjoyed it.”
Assessing the jump-off challenge, he added: “There were six fast, good horses. I watched the first few and knew I had to go as fast as I could.
“I went as tight as I could and as quick as I could and tried not to pull too much, and it paid off. I have always wanted to jump here, and to win here is delightful. It’s amazing.”
Image: 1st Class Images
1qljl304t9205.JPG "Hollie Gerken defends her Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship Title")
1y1twj2ldz5o4.JPG "Pippa Goddard added her name to an illustrious roll of honour by winning the Senior Newcomers Championship")
