Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Kalico Bay have landed the Longines King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.
Tim finished second to Peter Charles in this event twelve months ago, having agonisingly knocked down the final jump-off fence on the brilliant mare Corlato.
This time around, the popular Northamptonshire rider was taking no chances. Last to go in a quality six-horse jump-off, Tim flew round until the approach to the last fence — an oxer situated right in front of the Longines hospitality stands. He was marginally up on the clock with Colin Garratt’s nine-year-old, took a check, saw his stride and cleared the obstacle perfectly for victory.
“He felt a big green in the first round but this is the King George and it was my best chance,” said Tim, who was winning the class and the £53,000 first prize for the first time. “He felt great from the start.”
Second-placed Robert Smith made it a British one-two. He set a good early target with Di Cornish’s Talan, only to see his rival slash nearly 2sec from his time. France’s Kevin Staut (Le Prestige St Lois) had to settle for third after suffering a final-fence knock-down.
Don’t miss next week’s H&H (out 5 August) for full report, comment and analysis
