Hickstead-based Georgia Tame had a home victory on Saturday at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.
Saturday 22 June 2019
Eighteen horses and riders came forward to contest the coveted Al Shira’aa Under 25 Masters in the Longines International Arena, and although five would make it through to the fast-paced jump-off, one combination would prove unsurpassable.
Georgia Tame and the 10-year-old gelding Clintofino sped around the 1.45m track to finish on a time of 36.75 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than their nearest rivals, international eventer Chuffy Clarke and Dirk II.
“It’s just amazing to ride in the main arena, and even more amazing to win,” says Tame, who has been based at Hickstead with top Irish rider Shane Breen for four years. “Even though I live here, it still feels so amazing.”
Clintofino is a new ride for Tame. “I’ve only ridden him three times in the ring,” she says, explaining that her mentor Shane Breen and his brother Trevor Breen also compete him. “Hopefully now I’ve got some results with him, I’ll get to take him to some of the international shows and see how far he goes. I’m really pleased for the horse – he’s only just started coming into his own.”
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place from 20-23 June at Hickstead in West Sussex. With international showjumping alongside national competition, showing championships and scurry driving, it is one of the biggest shows in Great Britain.
Image courtesy of Spidge Photography
