Five-year-old in first open season takes the Topham Barnes Hack of the Year Championship

It was a worthwhile trip for Alison Talbot when her five-year-old gelding Young Lochinvar was crowned Topham Barnes Hack of the Year Champion on day two of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), at the NEC Birmingham. By the late Kilvington Scoundrel and out of Fair Ellen, the youngster displayed pure class in the ring to take the prestigious title ahead of a very strong field.

A novice at the beginning of the year, and now in his first open season, there was some doubt over whether to bring Young Lochinvar to HOYS. “I think I’m in shock,” said Alison who bought the gelding as a two-year-old. “We nearly didn’t bring him as he’s so young, but I can’t believe how well behaved he’s been.”

She continued: “He had 15 minutes working in before this morning’s class and just five minutes before the evening judging!”

The win was a dream come true for Alison who last won at HOYS on another Hack back in 2004. She’s been looking for something else just as special ever since. Clearly now, she’s found him!

Young Lochinvar is stabled at Stanley Grange Stud with Jerome Harforth and has had numerous wins during this first season. He qualified for HOYS in the Brereton Small Hack of the Year at Stoneleigh Horse Show.

Reserve Champion went to the winner of the David Stennett Ltd Large Hack of the Year – and last year’s overall Champion – Suzannah Welby’s Elusive ridden by Jo Bates. Elusive is another of Kilvington Scoundrel’s offspring – the prolific stallion has sired many HOYS Champions over the years.

The Hack of the Year Championship was one of the original classes at the very first Horse of the Year Show back in 1949. The Champion is eligible to contest the Supreme Horse of the Year on the final evening of the show.

Ends

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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