Scott Brash claims a four-star win in this week’s international round up
Monday 04 December 2023
Scott Brash jumped straight to the top in Friday’s feature 4* 1.50m with Hello Mr President in Stockholm, Sweden.
Five of the original 18 starters posted initial clears to qualify for the jump-off, Scott quietly and smoothly easing the Comme D’Api V/D Hacienda Z 14-year-old into victory by 1.12 seconds, pushing The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders and Deesse De Kerglenn into second place.
Robert Murphy opted for accuracy in the top-billed 3* Grand Prix with Catch-Me Van Berkenbroeck in Valence, France, to take second place.
The world ranking 1.55m track reduced the 36 starters to seven in the jump-off, Robert choosing to guide the Cicero Z Van Paemel x Nonstop 9-year-old into another easy clear to take the runner-up spot 7.44 seconds behind the winner, Italy’s Guilia Martinengo Marquet on Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe. Matt Sampson was also in the reckoning but four faults dropped the Conthargos 9-year-old Concare PS down to fourth.
“I’m very pleased with this 9-year-old stallion, he has a bright future ahead,” said Robert.
Matt steered Ebolensky into third in the 3* 1.45m. Fourteen of the original 33 starters posted initial clears in this world ranking class to contend the jump-off, Matt and the Clinton x Heartbreaker 14-year-old finishing two seconds behind the winning time. Jay Buxton returned a double clear to take ninth on Strides Josie.
Donald Whitaker seized victory in the in Friday’s 3* 1.45m with Dakota.
The 20 starters were reduced to seven for the jump-off but Donald dominated with the fastest round, taking a commanding win by 1.89 seconds on the Denver V/Nissan Rex Z 11-year-old stallion. Robert Murphy was even quicker but four faults marred his round to drop Imbeer to fifth.
Lauren Caroline steered Gait L into a double clear and third in the 2* Grand Prix at Sentower Park in Belgium.
Ten of the original 65 competitors posted initial clears over the world ranking 1.45m course with Lauren and the Zambesi TN x Germus R 12-year-old slotting into third place 0.89 seconds behind the winner, Germany’s Jana Wargers on Corrie 9.
Image: Scott Brash and Hello Mr President. Credit : Sweden International Horse Show / Roland Thunholm
