An eventer tackling 1.95cm in London, an ex-racehorse wowing within the present ring, and different issues the horse world is speaking about

Gemma Stevens beats “legend” John Whitaker at London Worldwide

World crew gold medal successful occasion rider Gemma Stevens was gobsmacked when she and Envoy Merelsnest Z beat final yr’s winner John Whitaker (Sharid) within the six-bar at London Worldwide Horse Present. Gemma and John had been the one two out of 13 starters who made it to the fifth spherical, the place the ultimate vertical of 4 stood at 1.95cm. Gemma’s journey “Dime Bar” had jumped beautifully all through, however frustratingly had that final one right down to a groan from the group. Gemma thought she’d misplaced it, however John and Sharid had two refusals on the second, handing the eventer the win. “Me and John Whitaker – I used to be studying his ebook not too long ago, he’s such a legend – so I believed ‘simply don’t give it some thought, take into consideration me and my horse, attempting to do our greatest’,” mentioned Gemma.

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Jockeys are a success – showjumping

Two groups of main jockeys switched sports activities to entertain the London crowd within the Markel Jockeys Leaping in assist of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Harry “The Airplane” Skelton’s crew had been in the end victorious over his counterpart 20-time champion Sir Anthony “AP” McCoy, AKA the Champ’s squad. Fortunately, even AP McCoy managed to not fall off this yr. And Harry’s journey was the extraordinarily well-liked – and arguably barely over certified –  William Funnell’s former grand prix horse Billy Angelo. The now 21-year-old gelding has been having fun with his retirement with Harry and his spouse Bridget and have become the star of the present.

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Harry Skelton and Billy Angelo lead the successful crew within the Markel Jockeys Leaping in assist of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Credit score: LIHS/Peter Nixon

Former racehorse receives heat welcome in London present ring

Jayne and the late Keith Sivills’ home-bred racing star Girl Buttons, ever a fan favorite, was a well-liked winner of the Agria racehorse to point out horse closing in London. The mare was ridden to victory by her former work rider Jennie Durrans, whose associate Adam Nicol rode Buttons for almost all of her profession on the observe. Jennie began using the mare in February 2023 and was “smiling from ear to ear” after this win.

All about Girl Button’s victory

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H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has greater than 20 years expertise as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from main championships together with the Europeans and the World Equestrian Video games. She has co-written books on equestrianism together with The Full Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and labored for and educated with Olympic gold medallist occasion rider Leslie Regulation previous to going to school.