William Rekert completed a thrilling opening day’s action at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the Events Through a Lens Talent Seekers, incorporating the seven-year-old Championship.
Just a few hours after Pippa Goddard, who is based in the same Kent yard as William, won the Senior Newcomers Championship, there was further success for the Canterbury-based team.
Six combinations made it through to the jump-off, and only 68 hundredths of a second covered the top three, with William guiding Fifty Shades of Grey home in a time of 32.20 seconds.
Hot on his heels was British Olympian Holly Smith, who finished second aboard Nike van het Singraven and also took the honours as newly-crowned seven-year-old champion.
Harriet Hodge and Lethal Weapon IV completed the podium places, while Holly additionally claimed fourth place in a strong start to the week for her on No Limit D.
Previous winners of the Talent Seekers include Nick Skelton, Robert Whitaker and Trevor Breen, and William joined them on a horse he only started riding earlier this year.
“He has been the best horse I have ever ridden,” said William, who had a HOYS debut to savour. “He has been absolutely brilliant all season, and I am very lucky to have him.
“He jumped super. It is my first time in that ring, so a really good start to the week. There was a good buzz, and I really enjoyed it.”
Assessing the jump-off challenge, he added: “There were six fast, good horses. I watched the first few and knew I had to go as fast as I could.
“I went as tight as I could and as quick as I could and tried not to pull too much, and it paid off. I have always wanted to jump here, and to win here is delightful. It’s amazing.”
ENDS
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Image: William guiding Fifty Shades of Grey CREDIT 1st Class Images