Jack Cochrane pulled off an amazing Horse of the Year Show double when Hallmark IX and Sir William John claimed their respective cob, and small hunter of the year championships.
An early start it may have been, but Sculpture to Wear’s lightweight cob Hallmark IX again showed the sort of movement and manners that has seen him clinch numerous titles this season.
The Welcome Flagmount lightweight has matured as a six-year-old, according to his rider, and the Irish-bred chestnut gelding deserved to step up from his position of reserve to The Keystone Cob at last year’s show.
Standing second to Hallmark IX in the lightweight category was Jayne Webber riding Carol Bardo’s impressive newcomer Fait Acobbli.
Huge entries — 28 in the lightweight class, and 26 in the heavyweight class — kept judges David Ringer and Richard Mills fully occupied.
“The standard was very high indeed, and I didn’t have a bad ride,” said Richard Mills.
Owner Camilla Neame’s celebrated a rare one/two in the heavyweight cob division, when Starry Night gave Robert Walker his second win of the week. This pair went on to stand reserve to Hallmark IX.
“For a first season cob, he’s come on very well, and I’m delighted with his performance,” said Robert.
Camilla also owned second placed De Monkey Business, who was ridden by Valentine Sheehan. The seven-year-old bay gelding is a former winner at Royal Dublin for Galway producer Bill Bourns.
Jack Cochrane completed his winning double, when Victoria Clayton’s Sir William John headed the small hunter line up. The 10-year-old grey gelding also combines intermediate classes with Emma Dewhurst.
“He’s a laid back sort of character, but he certainly rose to the occasion today,” said Jack.
Results
Equimax and Eraquell cob (D Ringer, R Mills) lwt. 1 & ch, Sculpture to Wear’s Hallmark; 2, C Bardo’s Fait Accobli; 3, S Cuddy’s The Duke. hwt. 1 & res, C Neame’s Starry Night; 2, C Neame’s De Monkey Business; 3, C Bardo’s The Keystone Cob. small hunter (J Bradwell, B Ensten). 1, V Clayton’s Sir William John; 2, T Deja’s Hurlers Cross; 3, S Cuddy’s Paddy Swan.
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