Fancy That steps up from reserve to champion

In the New Horizon Plastics Ltd Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship, last year’s reserve champions Isla Smith and 15-year-old Sutton Grange Fancy That went one better to take the tricolour.

“Last year was our first year so we were a bit nervous, this ring is different to any other I’ve ridden in,” Isla said.

Laura Smith’s gelding has had a late bloom in his career, after spending seven years out of the show ring.

“He did really well years ago and then did nothing,” said Isla, who travelled down to Hickstead from south west Scotland. “We got him right before this show last year. We didn’t expect to get to the Royal International, and we certainly didn’t expect to win reserve champion last year, and then to go and do better again.”

Leyla Scott-Christian made a winning debut in the International Arena with Joe Watson’s highly decorated Dales stallion Griseburn Major, taking the UKPH/Anthony Evans Young Riders M&M Supreme Championship.

“I’ve only been riding him since the start of the year. He is just amazing, he’s really comfortable to ride and gives me the best feel,” said Leyla, who rides him for his owners twice a week.

Sue Rose’s multi-talented 13-year-old LVA Winter’s Rascal made a success of his first ‘proper’ season showing, when he took today’s Pure Bred Ridden Arabian Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

He was ridden by show producer Will Morton, who was making his first foray into showing Arabians. “It’s only our fourth show, we are a relatively new combination, so the win was unexpected,” he said.

“We came to the Royal International to enjoy it, it’s such a great ring to ride in. I’ve been lucky enough to ride hunters and cobs in there before, so this is a bit different from my normal, but it was wicked. He lit up the ring and just went in there and owned it.”

Sue has owned the LVA Maximus-sired gelding, who also showjumps and competes in dressage, since he was a yearling.

The showing action got underway on Tuesday, with a full day of coloured horse and pony classes. For the second year in a row, The Alan Marnie & Family Supreme BSPA "Indian Trail" Ridden Championship went to Harrison Taylor and Caroline Hamilton's Lostock Up Till Dark.

For full results click here.