Rachel Proudley accomplished what she described as “the number one win” of her showjumping career by landing the Speed Horse of the Year crown at the Horse of the Year Show.
A thrilling one-round class looked to be heading the way of Welshman Mark Edwards, who produced a blistering performance on Royale Tale, clocking 56.91 seconds.
He had led from early in the competition, but everything changed when the final two competitors entered the arena – Jodie Hall McAteer and last-to-go Rachel.
Jodie and Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof went more than half a second inside Mark’s time, leaving 19-year-old Rachel a Herculean task aboard Petitfour VD Wareslage, but they delivered a memorable performance to take the title in 55.97.
“I definitely did not think I could beat Jodie’s time, and Mark did a very fast round – I didn’t honestly think it could be beaten,” North Yorkshire-based Rachel said.
“We had a good canter to the first fence, which set us up in a good rhythm for the rest of the round.
“He is such a lovely horse, and I am very grateful to have him. I am very grateful to John Chadwick, who owns the horse, and the team at HK Horses. It wouldn’t be possible without any of them.
“It has been a breakthrough year for me, and in terms of wins, this has to be number one.”
International classes on the final day of HOYS 2024 continued with the Thistledown Investments Six Bar, and it produced an exciting three-way tie.
The competition sees six obstacles in a row that are raised in height after each of a maximum five rounds, and three riders could not be separated.
Sebastian Hughes and Colorado Volo, Guy Williams with Crispina Z and Jack Whitaker aboard Equine America Q Paravatti N all kept the green and yellow poles upright as they shared top spot.
Eleven combinations from 22 starters made it through after round one, then that was reduced to seven by round three and six in round four, with three returning for the final jumping challenge.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2024, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
