Full Cry roars to Supreme Hunter success

Show producer Robert Walker rode the aptly-named middleweight hunter Full Cry to win the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship.

Twelve months after doing the clean sweep by winning all three hunter weight divisions, the Cheshire showman celebrated another successful Hickstead by taking both the championship and the reserve at this year's show, with the latter title coming courtesy of the heavyweight victor IJ Countryman.

Robert bought Full Cry, a Balou Du Rouet x OBOD Quality gelding, as a two-year-old from Desi Gibson in Ireland. “Full Cry has had a good year and won at the Great Yorkshire last week, which is a huge ring, and we thought after that he was ready for coming here,” he said.

The ride judge for the lightweights and the supreme hunters was former star event rider Mark Todd. “He was a little bit babyish in there but Mark was amazing with him and just let him travel,” Robert added.

Robyn-Jayne Hadland made the six-hour journey from north Wales to Hickstead more than worthwhile by winning the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M Supreme Ridden Championship with Garlance Flash Jac.

“It's amazing - this doesn't happen to people like me!” said the delighted rider afterwards. “I have never won anything this big.”

The Welsh section C stallion Garlance Flash Jac combines stud duties and showing with an all-round ridden career. The pair has qualified for the show on a number of occasions, but this was their first championship win.

“The judges said it was a unanimous decision,” said Robyn-Jane. “They just said he owned the ring the moment he walked in. He is a showman, and looked like he wanted to be in there.”

For full results click here.