Hack and small hunter land Hickstead hat-trick

Two triple champions were crowned in the International Arena on the penultimate day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show (Saturday 25 July).  

Alice Homer was the first to make it a hat-trick when she partnered Loraine Homer’s 10-year-old gelding Tidy Town to victory in the Culford Lodge Commodities Small Hunter Championship.

“To win three years running in a class is so special,” said Alice, who is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. “If they win it twice, they're good horses, but three times makes them great horses.”

“Guinness” was bought as a foal in Ireland by Alice’s grandfather, David Tatlow.

Helen Baker retained her hold on The Ellena Thomas BSHA Supreme Hack Championship with Boston Black Tie. The pair landed the hat-trick of hack titles at last month’s Al Shira’aa Derby Meeting and have now completed the set with their third consecutive Royal International win.

Nicola Faulconbridge’s Kilvington Scoundrel-sired nine-year-old, who is known as “DJ”, kicks-back and enjoys a varied life at home.

“He spends four months of the year out, with a rug on, and doesn't come in,” Helen said. “At the end of January or middle of February, he’ll be like, bring me in now!”

There was a surprise win in The BMHS Supreme Miniature Horse Championship for Carole Lindsey’s yearling Maybe A Reign Star, who has very limited ring experience.

Mia Hiscock showed him in the International Arena, as usual exhibitor Daniel Tarpey was leading Carole’s stallion Royal Supreme H Red Hunter, who was pulled in reserve.

“I had to get changed quick-time and then brought him in here. He was just foot perfect for a yearling,” Mia said.

For full results click here.