Red Why Salute answers all the questions in the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year

When Daniel Brian Carroll bought a five-year-old gelding with “no job to do” straight from the field, he had an inkling success was in the pipeline. Fast forward three years and Red Why Salute has proven his class and clinched the prestigious Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year Champion title on the opening day of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“When I first saw him I thought ‘That’s going to win HOYS’,” said Daniel, who rode the 18hh British Warmblood to victory, having qualified at Royal Cheshire County Show earlier in the year. “He’s very brave and has a big heart; I tell him to do it and he does it.”

The eight-year-old produced a fantastic clear round over David Cole’s testing course, which featured a box hedge, brush rails, water tray and famous curved wall among 12 fences. The impressive course set out under the lights of the Andrews Bowen International Arena asked lots of questions of the 37 starters who came forward.

“The course was tricky, but once he got going he jumped brilliantly,” said Daniel. The working hunter fences are designed and supplied by Cheshire Show Services and the course designer was David Cole.

After the conformation and ride judging in the afternoon, 10 combinations were invited back in the evening for the final results; all of whom had gone clear earlier in the day.

The pair improved on their third place last year, but have enjoyed the ultimate year this year with a win in the Supreme Working Hunter Championship at Hickstead as well. “We’ve done it now,” said Daniel. “He’s an absolute superstar and my best mate!”

Stephanie Scott rode her own Opis Day into second place, improving on their fourth place last year. Andrew Callwood’s Irish Sport Horse Mr Seniority finished third.

ENDS

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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