Robert Murphy continued his exciting progression with Lightning TW to land the Talent Seekers, incorporating the seven-year-old Championship, at the Horse of the Year Show.
Twelve months after winning the senior newcomers on a horse owned by London 2012 Great Britain Olympic team gold medallist Peter Charles, Robert returned to land another headline class at the NEC, Birmingham.
The combination did it with plenty to spare, clocking 28.33 seconds in an eight-combination jump-off, leaving his rivals trailing.
Lorraine Lock, from Brentwood in Essex, was second aboard Artisan, with Anna Power and McQueen completing the podium places in a class where previous winners include Olympic gold medallists Nick Skelton and Scott Brash.
The seven-year-old crown, meanwhile, went to Scottish challenger James Smith on Prince Malko M.
Reflecting on his latest high-profile success, Preston-based Robert said: “He enjoys the big occasion, and he loves it here. When I am riding him, he wants to win as much as me, which is a great feeling to have.
“He’s such a good fighter, he always tries his best when he goes in the arena. He is very careful and good against the clock, so he has got all that I would want.
“He has always handled whatever we put him into. I love this show, so to come here and win again is great.
“He is only eight, and because of his quality we have tried to produce him quite carefully this year.
“He jumps a lot of clear rounds, and I always think I will be jumping clear on him. He has got a great mentality.”
* Audio interview with Robert Murphy, winner of the Talent Seekers, incorporating the seven-year-old Championship, at Horse of the Year Show
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