View Point is ‘on point’ once again on day three of Horse of the Year Show
The evening performance on day three of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) featured one of the oldest Championships that dates back to the first HOYS in 1949. Jill Day’s exceptional Lightweight Hunter View Point was crowned the Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year Champion ridden by Robert Walker, adding the accolade to his 2017 and 2018 titles.
“He is the horse of a lifetime,” said Rob. “Still when I ride him he gives me such an amazing feel.”
“He’s such an athlete and he’ll always try his best… so it’s making sure he doesn’t try too hard. He’s felt great all day and I felt him relax in his lap of honour tonight.” He added: “That’s what a champion should be; close to the boil without going over.”
Now 10 years old, View Point will stay with Robert in training and he and Jill will pick and choose what shows they want him to go to. He’ll also continue to enjoy hacking at home and Rob is hoping to take him hunting.
The highest placed Middleweight stood Reserve; Angela Coggins’ grey gelding Bloomfield Eloquence ridden and produced by Lorraine Homer. The seven-year-old was brought over from Ireland last year where he was champion as a four-year-old at Balmoral. This is his first season showing in England and he also won at the Royal International as a Ladies Hunter with Lorraine’s 19-year-old daughter Alice.
Reflecting on the day Lorraine said: “He’s not put a foot out of place; he’s been a superstar… He’s quite laid back [in the ring] and then turns it up when he needs to.”
With just a few minutes for everyone to catch their breath, The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship got underway. The In-Hand Championship is widely considered the hardest Championship to qualify for here at HOYS, but the ultimate one to win.
Regina Daly’s three-year-old Sports Horse, Tell Me Another, scooped this most prestigious and sought-after title. Produced and handled in the ring by Steve Pitt, the gelding is by Future Illusion. He was bred by Cathy Wood out of her prolific winner Kiss n Tell. Future Illusion has sired countless show champions and has a number of horses now competing at CCI*** eventing, so there’s no doubt this newly crowned HOYS Champion has a very bright future ahead of him. He was also Youngstock Champion at Balmoral in Ireland and Champion at Bath & West as a yearling.
Steve has led many In-Hand winners at HOYS and is well-known for finding ridden stars. He also finished second in the Exceeding 148cm section with Mrs S Gibbons’ three-year-old gelding, The Seducer.
Reserve Champion was the Highland stallion Ellister Islay Spruce owned by Julie Barton and handled by Ross Keys. The eight-year-old has been very successful both in hand and under saddle, having competed successfully at HOYS, Olympia and the Royal International. Julie broke him in and competed with him herself in the earlier days.
Spruce lives at home with Julie, hacks out and can often be found grazing in her garden!
“He’s quite a show-off and mischievous, but he channels it all in the right direction,” said Julie.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2021, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
