Royal International SHP treble for Rob and Debbie Thomas

Ron and Debbie Thomas almost made it a clean sweep in the show hunter pony classes, the Welsh producers turning out the first three winners Tom Thumb II (Jessica Baybutt), Clemenstone Charleston (Lizzie Smith) and Parkhills Ronaldo (Julie Bankier) who headed their respective 153cm, 143cm and 133cm classes.

In the main ring championship, it was Lizzie Smith and Clemenston Charleston who got the nod from Jo Jefferson and Sue Rawding to take the title. Taking the reserve was the smallest contender Julie Templeton’s Hightopps Jazz who topped the 122cm class for Shannon Meer.

After producing one of only four clear rounds to win their 143cm class, Lucinda Parkes and Folly II claimed the working hunter tricolour. The grey mare was maintaining an outstanding Hickstead record as she has never lowered a rail for Lucinda and her previous rider Alice McCullagh.

Kevin Millman built a traditionally challenging rustic track that included true hunting obstacles such as a bullfinch, log and wall.

Taking the reserve was Crabbswood Nutmeg, who jumped the sole clear for Hermione Gee to win the final 133cm section.

Darren Crowe registered his first RIHS win riding Dr Tiffani Stewart’s PHA Silvern Risalm in the pure-bred Arabian class. The Silvern Sceptre 17-year-old grey stallion has an enviable list of major wins to his credit, and he was having his first outing since winning at Horse of the Year Show two years ago.

“I always seem to be the page boy here as I have been second twice with him (Silvern Risalm), and I have even been second in a show jumping class here, but it has all worked out today” said Darren.

Jonathan Stevens clinched the Ponies (UK) M&M young rider championship riding his mother Lesley’s black Dales stallion Waterside Black Prince. Jonathan is in his second season with the six-year-old who is described by his rider as one of the most laid back ponies on the circuit.

“He always has breakfast in bed — as in lying down,” said Jonathan.

Wednesday 27 July showing results

Sandal – BMW SHP (Mrs J Jefferson, Mrs S Rawding) 153cm. 1, A Baybutt’s Tom Thumb II; 2, J Thurston’s Carnsdae Sir Lancelot; 3, K Marfleet’s Valentino III. 143cm. 1 & ch, K Smith’s Clemenstone Charleston; 2, E Jackson’s Firthwell Champagne Charles; 3, B Edmondson’s Sycamore Candyman. 133cm. 1, Mr & Mrs Bankier’s Parkhills Ronaldo; 2, S Mace’s Wicklea Wakanda; 3, J Blythman’s Westerby Firelight. 122cm. 1 & res, J Templeton’s Hightopps Jazz; 2, E Perry’s Greedown Jake; 3, S Dennison’s Crystal Vision. BSPS LR SHT. 1, Clark & Lucas’s Brookhall Wise King; 2, J Van Praagh’s Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; 3, R Walker’s Annandale Phoenix. Black Country Saddles WHP (Ms J Darwin, Mrs J MacInnes) 153cm. 1, E Manning’s Kilkenny Kid; 2, S Weir’s Otto; 3, J Cooper’s Mirah Kilgobben Rebel. 143cm. 1 & ch, H Parkes’s Folly II; 2, S Smith’s Todley Hall Noah; 3, S Weir’s Ruby Slippers. 133cm. 1 & res, J Meyrick’s Crabbswood Nutmeg; 2, A Prince’s Noble Toreen Lass; 3, C Thompson’s Keltic Print. Brickell/White Ponies (UK) young riders sml. 1, S Darlington’s Wortley Celebration; 2, A Bromwich’s Waulkmill Redstart; 3, A Lines’s Pumphill Banter. do riders under 18yrs. 1, Lady Vestey’s Kentchurch Charity; 2, D Barr’s Sauvey Golden ; 3, L Bates’s Mowcastle Mickey. interm. 1 & ch, L Stevens’s Waterside Black Prince; 2, T Millard’s Waterside Ben; 3, Ablett, Langdon & Williams’s Tawbitts Mystic Major. pure bred ridden Arabian (Mrs V Ayling). 1, Dr T Stewart’s PHA Silvern Risalm; 2, S Holland’s Tukki Amira; 3, G Ayub’s Dreamcatcher.

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