Stockdale leads British clean sweep in the Royal International Vase

Friday 26 July 2024

Joe Stockdale and Equine Rescue Services Kandleford spearheaded a British one-two-three-four in the opening five-star class at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, claiming his first international win at Hickstead.

Eighty-one competitors came forward for The Royal International Vase, a table A class entirely against the clock.

Joe set a lofty lead from 19th to go on the 14-year-old gelding, and the remainder of the field were unable to get within 2 seconds of his time.

Matt Sampson, renowned for his prowess against the clock, delivered the next fastest clear, to secure second place with the nine-year-old King Lepatino, while William Whitaker (Active Spirit) slotted into third, 2 seconds quicker than fourth-placed Nicole Lockhead Anderson (Chatondo).

“It’s definitely special to take an international win here. There isn’t really anywhere else like it in the world. It’s such an impressive ring and it’s always a great crowd and a great feeling.” said Joe, who is competing at the show ahead of heading to Paris as reserve for the British Olympic team.

There can often be mixed strategies from riders in the opening five-star class, where some set out for victory while others opt for a warm-up round, with their sights set on targets later in the week. It can make the winning pace difficult to judge.

“My plan going in was not to do anything too silly, nothing radical,” Joe said. “I thought ‘if I get a nice top eight placing then I’ll be chuffed to bits with it’ but actually, I think the course was more difficult to jump than it walked, so it was nice to get a clear in early. He was always up to the pace, he travels well across the ground, so it worked in my favour today.”

The Northamptonshire rider has partnered Kandleford, who was bred by legendary show jumper David Broome, for more than five years.

“He’s quite an individual character,” he said. “You have to take the rulebook and throw it out of the window with him, because you have to ride him in his own way, but he loves to leave the fences up and he really enjoys it when he can run and jump. He’s been on great form this year.”

Joe plans to jump Kandleford again on Saturday, and is also gearing up to contest Sunday’s Agria King George V Gold Cup with the stallion Ebanking.

His opening victory was a fitting one as Agria, who are sponsoring the Royal International for the first time this year, are also supporters of Joe.

“There was pressure on me to get a win in this week, seeing as Agria is the title sponsor!” he said. “It’s fantastic that they’ve been able to support the Nations Cup here because I think it’s really important that we keep the Nations Cups going. It’s fantastic to have them supporting this week and nice to be able to represent them.”

The Agria Royal International Horse Show runs from 24-28 July at Hickstead in West Sussex. Tickets are available at the gate or can be booked online at www.hickstead.co.uk. All the action from the International Arena will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and Hickstead.TV.

Image: Boots and Hooves Photography

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