Sandy McLean commands victory in the Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the 7-year-old Championship Qualifier at Northcote Stud
Tuesday 06 June 2023
The on-form Sandy McLean was on fire to take two HOYS qualifying places in the Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the seven-year-old Championship qualifier at Northcote Stud in Lancashire, winning with a late challenge on Non Such Z and taking another finalist place on Castlehill Kopa.
“They are two very nice horses and both naturally fast and they needed to be, it was a very fast class,” said Sandy.
A total of 90 competitors came forward over a track designed by Nigel Jess which began at 1.30m and 25 of them found the key to access a fast, no-holds-barred jump-off.
Sandy claimed an early lead with Lea Brash’s home-bred seven-year-old Castlehill Kopa and grimly held on despite several serious challenges. However, the times became quicker as riders dared their more experienced horses. When Sandy returned on second ride Non Such Z in the penultimate draw, he was lying in third, although still claiming a qualifying spot as the best-placed seven-year-old is guaranteed a finalist place.
He set off at a determined pace with the Non Stop x Casmir Z 11-year-old Non Such and, executing ever-tighter, gasp-inducing lines, made a final dash to the last vertical, taking out a stride to stop the clock with an amazing 2.75 sec in hand.
“He’s naturally fast and if I keep him at his natural pace he’s usually there or thereabouts although I drew gasps when I took a stride out to the last vertical but it won the class. He’s very good, wants to be careful and wants to try for you,” said Sandy.
George Whitaker settled for second place on the Zirocco Blue x Kojak 8-year-old mare Zirocca Zoom with Derek Morton on the 8-year-old Darcon V & V (Ard VDL Douglas x Calvaro) in third. Sandy also picked up fourth with Castlehill Kopa (Black Jack x Concorde).
“Kopa only stepped up to this height in the last four months but he’s stepped up very well and has already qualified for the HOYs Newcomers Final. He has a big stride and eats up the ground. He’s really coming into his own and he’s an exciting one for the rest of the year,” added Sandy.
Northcote Stud – 3 June, 2023
Events Through A Lens Talent Seeker incorporating the 7-year-old Championship Qualifier
1st Sandy McLean & Non Such Z – 0/0 - 33.64 seconds
2nd George Whitaker & Zirocca Zoom – 0/0 - 36.39 seconds
3rd Derek Morton & Darcon V&V – 0/0 - 37.53 seconds
4th Sandy McLean & Castlehill Kopa – 0/0 37.69 seconds
Image credit: Majestic Photography
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