In a sparkling performance Katy Carter led her daughter Poppy Marie, 6, on Chagford Lewis to claim the Diamond Jubilee supreme Pony of the Year award, after taking the mini show pony title earlier in the day.
“I’ve lived for this,” said Katy. “When we took both mini titles four years ago I said that it would never happen again, but Poppy also took the mountain and moorland mini title earlier in the week. So we’re in shock, and for once Poppy was speechless.”
It was a clean sweep for Katy as the 5-year-old bay gelding by Lechlade Quince had been reserve mini champion last time, whilst the first ridden victor on both occasions was Sarah Horne’s daughter Charlotte, 9, and Tidesbrook Roger Rabbit, also produced by Katy, who moved up to stand reserve.
This is Charlotte’s last year in First Ridden and the seven-year-old Tidesbrook Roger Rabbit will head to a new home, whilst Charlotte has a new WHP to start in cradle stakes.
“The whole family have come down to watch,” said Katy, “including Poppy’s elder brother Harry, who rode Tidesbrook Roger Rabbit on the lead rein here three years ago.”
Five-year-old Darcy Saunders made her HOYS debut with the 4-year-old bay mare Hightopps Magic Fairy in the show pony lead rein led by Philip Cooper and produced by Lindsay Hillyard. Darcy qualified at Mid Herts.
Her father, Seb Saunders, who is the current champion jockey was determined to watch her performance despite being on crutches with a broken leg. With only two previous outings they took titles at Mid Herts and BSPS Tiny Tots, but remained on the back line on this occasion.
Results 12 October
Supreme Pony of the Year. – K Carter’s Chagford Lewis.
Sandal BMW mini show pony (J Hoskin) FR. —1& res. S Horne’s Tidesbrook Roger Rabbit; 2, K Gillot’s Chaseford Aloof; 3, E Meer’s Woodview Fantasia. do LR. —1 & ch. K Carter’s Chagford Lewis; 2, H Barton’s Westleake Sophistication; 3, T Baldwin’s Cosford Veronique.
