Hood pilots 'Ferrari cob' Top Gun to Hickstead tricolour

Show producer Oliver Hood once again found himself top of the line-up in the International Arena at Hickstead today, after winning the Supreme Cob Championship on Lianna and Matt Stanford’s Carters Top Gun.

The striking cob impressed with his agility and power, earning himself the coveted sash despite his relative inexperience. “It’s his first major show, so to win it and go champion is fantastic,” said Oliver, part of the Diss-based showing dynasty.

Oliver believes Carters Top Gun could have the makings of one of showing’s next big names. “He’s been really good to produce,” he said. “He's got an engine – he's not a dobbin, he’s a Ferrari cob! He’s been fantastic, because he really tries, and he’s got a lot of attitude and presence. Sometimes, they can go in and it’s like they don’t even know they’re in there, but he does, and he absolutely wants to win it.”

In reserve was Janay Atherden and Red Rock.

The Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter Championship, went to Claire Oliver and the on-form Shanbally Legacy, in what was his first Hickstead appearance.

“He had double Windsor wins, and the Horse of the Year Show, last year – but to win here is so special,” said Claire, who originally sourced the horse with her late husband, top showman Robert Oliver.

Though the 11-year-old has had exposure to big, buzzy arenas, Hickstead is unique in its combination of atmosphere and the open expanse of grass – but Shanbally Legacy stepped up to the plate and made the most of the space. “It’s the most wonderful arena to ride in, and so it really is very special. He coped with it all so well; he stood and just felt as though he was absorbing it all,” she said. “He’s been great throughout; in the preliminary judging he went well for me and gave the ride judge a super ride – and she rode them all beautifully, so well done to her. Then, to come here and ride in the main ring… it’s just something you so rarely get to do.”

Claire describes the gelding as a true stamp of a small show hunter. “He’s so clean-limbed and very well put together, and he’s a proper small hunter – it's so rare these days to find a real, true midweight small hunter.”

Hickstead local Lynn Russell enjoyed another Hickstead win in the Leeman Family Maxi Cobs, riding the six-year-old piebald Talos, while in the Riding Horse Championship it was Justine Armstrong-Small's small division winner Rosemore Midnight Rendezvouz who took top spot ahead of Jayne Ross on King of Clubs. 

For all today's showing results, click here.