The Leicestershire-based rider had already made his mark through a strong third-place finish on Altesse 2 VN Z in the Senior Newcomers final.
But the best was yet to come as the combination triumphed following a four horse jump-off that also featured Senior Newcomers winner Pippa Goddard.
First contested at HOYS in 1954, the Foxhunter’s list of champions reads like a showjumping who’s who, including names such as David Broome, Harvey Smith, Graham Fletcher, John Whitaker, Nick Skelton and Scott Brash.
And the sense of achievement was not lost on James, whose jump-off time of 31.96 seconds edged Pippa and PDV Constanza into second, while Leo Lamb and RRH Out of the Blue completed the podium.
“I had my plan,” an elated James said. “Joe Trunkfield, who I train with, said Pippa was quick and the only places I could try to beat her was one stride less to the double and one less to the blue (fence).
“Luckily, I came off the corner into both of those, I had a forward shot and I just had to trust her to jump them. She was unbelievable – she did all the hard work.”
Seven-year-old grey mare Altesse 2 delivered everything that James asked, and he was quick to pay tribute, adding: “We bought her as a foal, and to produce one from foal to win that final is unbelievable.
“It means everything. She is the best horse I’ve ever had, and probably the best one I am going to have. She is just amazing.
“There was only one clear when I went in, but I knew she could do it, and I just knew I had to be on the ball.
“She is so careful, and I know if she has a fence down it is my fault. There was pressure on me not to make a mistake.
“This is a massive deal. I came here on ponies one year, and to win here in that arena is just unbelievable.”
ENDS
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Image credit: 1st Class Images
