Thomas Pritchard seized victory in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Hartpury University’s Winter Classic
Friday 03 January 2025
Thomas Pritchard made use of Jess Davis’ Kornetta Zuberth SMH’s huge stride to take the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Hartpury University’s Winter Classic in style.
“She’s one of my favourites, easy and straightforward,” said Thomas, on the mare he has already qualified for the Blue Chip Joint Care Power and Calming Performance Finals, winning both.
A total entry of 64 came forward over course-designer Krissy Spiller’s 12-fence track at a starting height of 1.10m, and such was the quality, 27 posted initial clears to qualify for the jump-off. With so many against the clock, it promised to be a fast class and the on-form Ryan Page – already winner of two classes – set a sizzling target.
However, Thomas utilised on Kornetta Zuberth’s scope and stride to gain on distance and time, stopping the clock with 1.71 seconds to spare. The class also qualified for the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.
Thomas, who has ridden the 10-year-old Cornet Obolensky x Zirocco Blue VDL mare since October, is based with Julian Mincher.
“She’s on sales livery and hadn’t competed for two years previously due to Jess being at University but she has such a deceptively big stride and an easy way of going, it’s easy to keep her going forward,” said Julian.
Thomas, who moved with Julian to his new home near Ilford, London – just 12 miles from Trafalgar Square – is impressed with this mare.
“She’s capable of going on to 1.40m+ and I’d love to contend the Newcomers and Foxhunter Second Rounds later this year, but she’s so nice, I expect she’ll be sold by then,” said Thomas, who is also lapping up the facilities at the new base of 55 acres with indoor and outdoor arenas.
“It’s amazing, I never expected to find a place like this so close to London,” added Julian. “We’ve also got access to acres and acres of hacking right off the yard on and old golf course, and the horses love it, not having to go into a school every day.”
Ryan Page held on to second place with Uno Beech, a six-year-old Numero Uno x Balou Du Rouet mare bred at his base, Beech House Stud.
“She’s amazing, I love her, but she does have plenty of attitude – it’s her world and we live in it, so I let her think it’s always her idea,” said Ryan. “It was her first time against the clock and she’ still green, but she has so much scope and when I ask, there’s never any ifs buts or maybe, she gets on with the job.”
Hartpury College Winter Classic – 3 January 2024
SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier
1st Thomas Pritchard & Kornetta Zuberth SMH – 0/0 32.76
2nd Ryan Page & Uno Beech – 0/0 34.47
3rd Bryony Crippen & Centuro Z – 0/0 34.68
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
