Sandy McLean claims victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B and C qualifier at Arena UK
Monday 04 December 2023
Sandy McLean secured his place in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B and C Final with victory on Matthew Pike’s SES Jumeirah at one of his favourite venues, Lincolnshire’s Arena UK in Grantham.
“I hadn’t planned to win, he’s only a 6-year-old and very inexperienced, I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the clock and we were more than a second faster,” said Sandy.
Thirty-three competitors came forward to face course-designer Mark McGowan’s 11-fence 1.35m track but only seven conjured up all the right answers to access the jump-off and keep the dreams of qualifying for the prestigious Royal International Horse Show at the iconic Hickstead showground.
The jump-off was competitive but Sandy, who is based in Lasswade, Edinburgh, took advantage of Jumeirah’s naturally fast pace to deceptively ease ahead and win by 1.18 seconds.
“I’d spoken to Matt (owner) before the jump-off and we agreed to go for a quiet round as he’s only a 6-year-old and really green. But he’s an out-and-out trier and naturally fast and turns quickly for a young horse. I still couldn’t believe it when I looked at the clock but it all worked in our favour,” said Sandy.
Sandy began his partnership with the Diamant De Semilly x Ard VDL Douglas gelding – previously ridden by Nicole Pavitt – at the end of October after Nicole was sidelined with a broken collarbone.
“He’s a lovely, quality young horse with lots to come in the future. I’ve only ridden him for a short time but I’m really looking forward to next year as a 7-year-old with this exciting young horse,” said Sandy.
Claire Neilson-Hansen guided the Irish-bred 10-year-old Cheers Cassini x Panther mare SES Salute into second place to claim the other Hickstead finalist ticket.
Arena UK – 2 December, 2023
UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
1st Sandy McLean & SES Jumeirah – 0/0 - 36.55 seconds
2nd Claire Neilson-Hanson & SES Salute – 0/0 - 37.73 seconds
3rd Jude Burgess & Tina HP – 0/0 - 37.86 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: courtesy of Arena UK
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With welfare, efficiency and providing 5* customer service at the core of what they do, UNIBED is committed to providing their customers with the high quality, chopped and dust extracted straw bedding solutions all whilst offering a fair price.
With pricing options to suit all budgets, customers will continue to receive a product that ticks every box from ease of use to making better choices for the environment.
Visit the UNIBED website www.unibedbedding.co.uk for more information or to place an order today.
