Jovian delights the crowds in The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship

Baileys Horse Feeds’ Irish Draught, Jovian, looked every bit the Champion as he took his lap of honour in The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year with producer and trainer Lynn Russell in the saddle.

At just six years old, this was Jovian’s second appearance at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), having qualified last year for the Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship. He has now taken the ultimate accolade as a Maxi Cob.

HOYS has been one of his first big shows this season and Lynn described the win as “fantastic” and “a big surprise”, having hoped he would be placed high up, but not expecting a win.

“He felt lovely in there,” she said. “He was very light and was taking me forward.”

The roan gelding is by Star Kingdom out of Lecarrow Gypse and was bought as an unbroken four-year-old from Ireland. Hayley Sankey rode her own four-year-old grey gelding The Ringmaster into Reserve position, while Xanthe Barker’s Kavanaghs Lord Winchester finished third.

Sponsor Lisha Leeman presented beautiful sashes to both the winner and all of the runners up in the class, which has been running at HOYS now since 2011.

ENDS

Image caption: Jovian wins The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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