Derek Morton makes a Puissance comeback at Royal Windsor
Friday 12 May 2023
Derek Morton last jumped a Puissance 12 months ago at the iconic Royal Windsor Horse Show, and he made a triumphant return with his 2022 winning ride KBS High Quality to clear 2.12m (7ft).
“I’ve been out of competition with injury since July after breaking my hip, but I’m all pinned back together now,” said Derek, who has steadily returned to competition. “Ryan Page has gained a lot of experience riding ‘Liam’, I’ve only jumped him twice since and for a warm-up, rode him on the final day at Chard Equestrian [round the 1.35m Derby track] five days ago.”
Seven came forward to face the big wall in the Martin Collins Enterprises Puissance in front of a packed and appreciative audience with four making it through to the final round. Derek was the first to show the wall a clean pair of heels to the delight of the spectators. Puissance debutante Nici Wilson was unlucky not to join him as former eventer Guaranteed Quality just took brick out of the wall, now standing at an impressive 2.12m.
Two shared the spoils, Derek joined by Ireland’s Commandant Geoff Curran on Bishops Quarter – winner of last year’s HOYS Puissance.
Both Derek and Zoe Snedker and Lyssa Sheppard’s 12-year-old gelding, bought on a buying trip in Ireland six years ago originally as a potential working hunter – “But he’d got a big jump,” – were pleased to be back in a major arena.
“The prize-giving and the ride back from the ring was exciting to say the least, but he loved it in there; every time he turned the corner to the wall, he took hold of the bridle as if to say, ‘Come on, we’re doing this’,” said Derek.
“He’s a livewire but one in a million and has been a fantastic horse to introduce Zoe and Lyssa in their first venture as showjumping owners. They’ve had so much fun, going to HOYS in two national finals and seeing him jump the Puissance at major shows.”
Derek also bought Liam’s younger full brother on a return Ireland trip, and they also share their Obos Quality 004 x High Roller bloodlines with KBS Major Player, who jumped at 4* level the last three years with Holly Smith and Shane Breen.
Interestingly, Geoff Curran’s 16-year-old Bishops Quarter is also by Obos Quality – obviously a sire of big jumpers.
Earlier in the day, Nicole Lockhead Anderson claimed victory in the Walwyn Novice Jumping Championship supported by Al Shira’aa with Tom Williams’ Quanthargos PS.
Twelve of the top 6-year-olds selected from the 96-strong Foxhunter class run at 7am Thursday morning got to experience the Castle Arena over an 11-fence 1.30m track. Four returned for the jump-off. Nicole spotted the shortest route on the Quantos x Conthargos gelding to beat the only other double clear by 3.26 seconds, Sophie Austin and Mea Culpa.
Nicole was thrilled to win the prestigious novice title: “This is such a special show, it’s incredible to be here and it’s definitely worth the early start to win the Walwyn Novice on a horse you can picture jumping five-star classes in a few years’ time is something else. He’s very special, talented yet straightforward and easy and loves the atmosphere of being at a big show.”
Sally Goding made a triumphant return with the nine-year-old Spring Willow (Luidam x Corland) to win the 1.40m single-phase for the second consecutive year, beating their 33 rivals by 0.34 seconds. Emily Sage guided I Am A Harley into second with Adrian Whiteway filling third aboard Floris II and Nicole rounded off her day in fourth on Chatongo.
Image credit: Peter Nixon / Royal Windsor
