Angelie von Essen takes the Thistledown Stakes

Sweden’s Angelie von Essen produced an ice-cool performance to win the Thistledown Stakes at Horse of the Year Show for the fourth day of competition at Birmingham’s NEC Genting Arena. The one round jump-off class had a thrilling conclusion, with the lead changing hands from Michael Whitaker to Denis Lynch, and then last-to-go Angelie eclipsing them both.

Eight combinations from 28 starters made it through, and it was Julie Andrews and Ayrton IV that set the initial pace in 37.92 seconds, but she was passed by Michael and Valmy de la Lande as he showcased all his experience on a testing course to clock 35.78.

After shaving almost two seconds off Julie’s time, Michael could then only watch as Irish star Denis guided Caruso home in just over 34 seconds and left Angelie with a considerable task. But she proved more than up to it on the 13-year-old grey mare Cochella, going 17 hundredths of a second inside Denis’ time to claim the top prize of £3,300.

“She is an unbelievable, amazing horse,” Angelie said. “She is quick and so careful, you just present her to the jump and you know she will jump it. For me it was just about getting round as quick as I could. Horse of the Year Show is an amazing show. I am so happy every time I can get here to compete. The atmosphere is always so great.”

* Link to audio interview with Angelie von Essen *

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Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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