British rider on a mission beat 88 others to win at the Winter Equestrian Festival

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Britain’s Matthew Sampson and Curraghgraigue Obos Flight at the Winter Equestrian Festival
Britain’s Matthew Sampson and Curraghgraigue Obos Flight took to the jump-off with conviction.
(Image credit: Sportfot)

From the outset, Britain’s Matt Sampson and Curraghgraigue Obos Flight looked like they were on a mission as they took the first fence of the jump-off at the Winter Equestrian Festival with conviction. In the largest class of the day, 89 competitors vied for the $37,000 grand prix qualifier CSI2*. Matt landed victory by thirteen-hundredths of a second, much to the delight and whistles of onlookers in the ring-side International Club. 

“He is the type of horse that wants to win as much as I do,” said Matt. “He has had great rounds the rest of the season in some of the bigger five-star events, but today’s two-star was equally as difficult. Where I think the course suited us best was his smaller stride allowed us to be quick down several of the lines that other riders may have had to steady for.”

Sarah Eakin
Sarah Eakin
Freelance journalist

Sarah Eakin is an international equestrian journalist who writes for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including Horse & Hound, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph in the UK. A former Pony Club team member for dressage, showjumping and eventing, Sarah’s mother trained National Hunt horses and she and her three brothers also played polo. Formerly married to a US professional polo player, Sarah is currently based in Wellington, Florida.