Morton hoping for Hickstead double with Brilliant hunter

Chelmsford show producer Will Morton and show hunter Kilcarna Brilliant continued their reign of dominance at Hickstead, picking up the Agria Hunter title for the second year in a row.

The pair continue to impress after winning both hunter championships at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting and the Royal International Horse Show in 2023.

“He's better than ever. He's come out this year fresh and fit and looking well and going well, so I'm over the moon with him. He just loves that ring,” added Will. “He’s just a lovely horse to have. He's got a great temperament and is great to deal with on the ground, and he's a lovely person at home.”

Now Will hopes to return to Hickstead in four weeks’ time to try to repeat the feat of winning at both shows. “It would be a dream come true to reclaim the title, but nothing can take away what he did last year. Anything more is a bonus.”

Over in the Irish Horse Board Ring 5, the Working Hunter title went to Layla Wheelwright and Nae Limits, ahead of Anne Bowman and Diavola Des Forets; while the Novice honours went to top producer Justine Armstrong-Small and Gleann Rua Davinci. Surrey-based show producer Lynn Russell took the Small Show Hunter title with Susanna O'Reilly-Hyland's Crampscastle Night Light. 

Alison Osborne took the Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry with her pair of ponies Woody & Buzz.