Alistair Hippisley Gatherum seizes victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre
Friday 15 November 2024
Alistair Hippisley Gatherum executed a smooth, deceptively quick round on Kyrusa H to claim victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre’s British Showjumping Winter Classic.
“I’m excited to qualify and looking forward to going to Hickstead. It’s a team effort here and particularly, I’d like to thank the Paul family, Edenside Stables and Carphin Stud,” said Alistair.
Thirty-one riders tackled course-designer John Bedford’s 12-fence, 15-effort 1.35m track and eight kept their 2024 Royal International Horse Show qualification dreams alive with initial clears, Mischa Irving claiming two of the rides.
First out Zoe Smith posted a good target on the nine-year-old Keep In Mind (Cornet Obolensky x Ferro) but midway through the jump-off, Alistair found a slightly shorter route to nip in front by 0.56 seconds. Despite a couple of serious challenges, these pair remained in the top two qualifying spots and duly claimed the two coveted Hickstead places. Miles O’Donnell also jumped double clear for third on Jackpot DS.
“I was too slow in Kelsall Hill’s qualifier so this time, I tried to be tactical. I knew four faults wouldn’t qualify and I had some quick riders behind me, so I had to speed up. She doesn’t look fast, but she covers the ground, although she had to use her scope after the tight turn into an oxer. I gave her some room to it but almost overdid it, I was a bit off and made her reach,” said Alistair.
St Andrews, Scotland based Alistair bought the well-bred Corland x Zirocco Blue VDL nine-year-old from her breeder in Holland six years ago.
“She came straight out of the pen. I broke her in and have produced her slowly up the grades. She’s very level, straightforward and ticks all the boxes. She’s a big horse and has taken time. She’s got a couple of international classes under her belt now and I’d like to aim her at a Grand Prix next year, but I’m going to focus on jumping on grass in 2025. Hickstead is a long way off, but she’s only jumped on grass once. I like planning and competing on grass is on my first focus,” added Alistair.
UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter B&C Qualifier
Morris Equestrian Centre – 14 November 2024
1st - Alistair Hippisley Gatherum & Karusa H – 0/0 35.90
2nd - Zoe Smith & Keep In Mind – 0/0 36.46
3rd - Miles O’Donnell & Jackpot DS – 0/0 36.86
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jamie Agnew Photography
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