Robert Smith wins The Bunn Leisure Trophy at Hickstead
Thursday 26 July 2018
Warwickshire-based showjumper Robert Smith has won The Bunn Leisure Trophy at Hickstead on Thursday 26 July.
The Yorkshireman was fourth to go, and set off with every intention of going for the win with the ten-year-old Ilton, owned by Robert and Karina Reily. He said; “I knew they’d have to run to catch him. I kept everything very tight and he’s pretty quick across the ground.
“My aim for him is the King’s Cup. It’s a big ask but he’s got a chance; he’s never seen a lot of those fences before but nothing much fazes him.”
Guy Williams was the only one to beat him for time on Rouge De Ravel, but he lowered a rail to drop down the order, leaving Robert in the top spot.
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain at the BHS Royal International Horse Show (25-29 July) is one of the oldest equestrian events in the world, as well as one of the biggest outdoor horse shows in the country.
It offers everything from the skill and power of international showjumpers clearing vast fences, the precision of top class show horses and ponies putting in foot-perfect performances, and the speed and exhilaration of the scurry drivers and event riders galloping around Hickstead’s famous International Arena.
Showjumping highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain, the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup, the BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the MS Amlin Eventers’ Challenge. These historic classes attract the very best riders in the world, and there’s no better place than Hickstead for getting up close to these equestrian superstars.
