Robert bags puissance prize

Robert Smith hit top form at Olympia on Friday evening. After leading for the entire Accenture Stakes table C class with Marius Claudius — only to be pipped at the post by Sweden’s Malin Baryard on H&M Tamina — the British number one was in determined form in the Accenture Puissance. And the versatile Irish-bred Jerry Maguire — a son of the great Clover Hill who has competed successfully in grands prix, speed classes and Derbys — answered every call to clear the big wall at 7ft.

Robert shared the honours with Danish rider Michael Aabo, whose ride, the huge grey Levianthan, looked capable of going much higher, with John Renwick (Coeur) and John Renwick (Lactic Two) sharing third place after going out in the previous round.

“My horse isn’t used to the puissance, but with a bit more experience I think he could come down to a really big wall,” said Robert, who will take home £4,500 for his night’s work.

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