‘I was sliding downstairs on my bum!’ showjumper shines at HOYS days after London Marathon
Olli Fletcher in the NAEC Stoneleigh Stakes during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 5 -9th October 2021
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Rising young showjumping star Olli Fletcher has a few good HOYS showjumping rounds under his belt already this week – days after he ran the London Marathon.
Olli completed the challenge in 3hr43min on Sunday (3 October), in aid of World Horse Welfare, and despite the fact he had a couple of very painful days afterwards, he has been on top form at the NEC, finishing in the money in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes, on Garande, and in the Stoneleigh Stakes, on Hello William (pictured).
“I wanted to support a horse charity as horses do so much for us, and it’s nice to do something in return.”
Olli admitted he “didn’t do too much training” in preparation for Sunday’s rum.
“That came back to bite me in the arse on the course!” he added. “Mile two it started to hurt. Miles 19 and 20 I found tough but I got over that and the atmosphere kept me going. It hurt but you heard the crowd cheering you, and the pain went away.”
The pain came back though – walking was a struggle for a couple of days.
“I was particularly stiff,” Olli said. “I was sliding down the stairs on my bum! But riding is fine, and that’s the main thing.”
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