What a week we had at Hickstead! Our local 5* show and one of our favourites in the showjumping calendar. Once again the team at Hickstead pulled out all the stops to put on an incredible show – with perfect going and top-class sport all week.
We took three older horses to jump the 5* and they were on spectacular form throughout the week – jumping clear in every class and picking up numerous top placings.
The crowning glory has to go to GONZALO (Viceroy x Londontimes) – owned by Bruntwood stables and having only been with us for a few weeks, this 11yo gelding stole the show by jumping an incredible double clear in in the King George V Gold Cup on the Sunday to finish 4th. He was foot perfect in the first round, over a challenging 5* track. With 8 through to the jump-off, he jumped the first clear in the second round, setting a pace to beat. It was a nail-biting final, but Gilles Thomas took home the trophy, with Gonzalo finishing in 4th. It was his first time jumping at this level and we were absolutely thrilled with his debut 5* Grand Prix performance.
Earlier in the week he was also clear in the opening 1,50m Royal International Vase – claiming 4th in this speed class – he’s really earned his ‘speedy Gonzalo’ status. We’re very excited to have him on the team and looking forward to what else he has in store.
Thank you also to our loyal, supportive sponsors and owners, without whom we wouldn’t be able to achieve results like this.
The ever-consistent GERMAINE W was on form once again, not touching a fence all week. The 9yo mare by Eldorado x Armstrong has recently stepped up to 5* level, and she jumped three clear rounds in the 1,45m classes – finishing 11th in the Speed Classic on Saturday.
Our world-class homebred HIGHLAND PRESIDENT (2012 – Clinton x Kannan) showed his quality in the international arena. He has picked up some amazing results so far this season, and he continued his run of form this week. After jumping clear in the opening 1,45m class on Thursday, ‘Archie’ took home a top-10 placing in the 1,50m Longines World Ranking Jump-Off class on the Saturday – finishing in 7th place.
We now turn our attention towards Royal Dublin Horse Show- whilst the team at home continue to develop our next crop of superstars. A special thank you has to go to each of our team members, who made a hectic week at Hickstead run smoothly – and who keep the show on the road, whether at home or away.
