Daniella Johnston scores spectacular win at Horse of the Year Show
Wednesday 06 October 2021
Lincolnshire based Daniella Johnston pulled off a stunning success to win the Talent Seekers Championship at Horse of the Year Show this evening at the NEC, Birmingham.
The Gainsborough based rider, and grand-daughter to four times winner Grand National trainer Fred Rimell took the jump off by a stunning 4 second margin with Elton John II. Daniella doesn’t normally compete this horse at the level asked in the Talent Seekers and it was only a spur of the moment decision by her to qualify at Hickstead earlier in the summer that booked her place in the Final.
A delighted Daniella said after her win “He’s mainly a Working Hunter which is his job, and we thought we’d give it a go. He’s a horse that just gives you his all, he’s got so much heart and he just did it. He qualified in 2019 for the Working Hunter Championship here and he very feisty in there [in the arena] so I thought he might be a bit strong; which he was but he was really listening so he was all there. He just answered every question.
“I’m unbelievably proud of him, we bought him as a very novice six year old from Adam Botham and he’s just come on in leaps and bounds. He’s qualified for the Working Hunter Final on Friday and he’s with me all the way all the time; he’s great. It’s just special to be back at Horse of the Year Show having had a years break, it’s special to be in the main arena as it’s a lifelong dream for any rider and he’s just made my dreams come true.”
Horse of the Year Show continues through until Sunday 10 October when it culminates with the Leading Showjumper of the Year being crowned. For more information, full results and ticketing information visit www.hoys.co.uk
