Showjumper James Smith credit a bridle purchased in 1986 for serving to him win the winter grand prix at Aintree Worldwide Equestrian Centre.
The 33-year-old rider had been struggling to discover a bridle that suited 14-year-old stallion Tayvale Hunky Dory, however showjumper-turned-coach Alan Fazakerley stepped in to assist finally weekend’s Winter Traditional II present (22-25 January).
“We’ve been messing round with Hunky Dory’s bridle and Alan had a hackamore in his automobile that he purchased in 1986,” defined James of the four-decades-old tack, made earlier than he was even born.
“We’d not been in a position to get one to take a seat proper and he set this one up in a different way and Hunky Dory was driving a lot better in it.”
Grand prix victory
James Smith ended up successful the grand prix with the prolific British-bred son of Balou Du Rouet, additionally ending second with nine-year-old mare Astrade Z, with whom he’d received the earlier winter grand prix at Kelsall Hill a fortnight earlier.
“The mare is of course fairly quick, so I didn’t do something too mad on her, and after I went in on the stallion I principally did the identical route, however took one much less stride to the final, which is what made the distinction,” mentioned James, who got here from ultimate draw with Tayvale Hunky Dory.
“The road to the double was tough, you needed to come around the final fence and it gave you an opportunity to not be sq.. I ended up with a great shot to it, you have been turning again in direction of folks, which might again them off a bit.”
James’s successful streak at Aintree additionally included the SEIB winter novice championship qualifier with Dan IV and a 1.30m open driving the 10-year-old Dominican 2000 Z.
Learn the complete report from Aintree Worldwide EC and the remainder of this week’s nationwide motion, in subsequent week’s problem of Horse & Hound, within the retailers Thursday, 5 February.
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her function as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the globe reporting from exhibits and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to steady administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a driving teacher and yard supervisor.
