Chris Smith completed a notable double on day three at Horse of the Year Show by winning the Dallamires Stable Cup in convincing fashion.
Having already secured the Grandstand Welcome Stakes with Messarado Blue, Chris produced another high-class performance aboard 13-year-old stallion Chagolou OS.
Their jump-off time of 35.18 seconds defeated strong challenges from the likes of Laura Renwick, who finished second on the highly-rated Marseille, and third-placed Mark Edwards with Dillinger NE.
“Every win is fantastic, but to have two wins here on one day is a credit to the whole team, not just me and the horses,” said a delighted Chris. “It is one of the best wins of my career, especially in this environment.
“I had a plan at the start of the week in my head what I was going to jump the horses in, and I aimed him at this class and then to save him for the grand prix on Sunday.
“He has naturally got a big step, and I used that to my advantage in the jump-off and everything came off.”
Chris, who is based near Manchester, secured a HOYS place via the International Wildcard qualifier, and he relished his opportunity in front of a bumper crowd at Birmingham NEC.
“It’s a great atmsophere, and it is great to get the opportunity to ride st shows like this through our national federation and the qualifying routes.
“I will remember this day, but you are only as good as your last win.”
Attention now turns to Saturday’s action, which is headlined by the Ripon Select Foods Puissance, always one of HOYS’ great occasions with its tradition for thrilling action.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2025, please contact
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image credit: 1st Class Images.
