Matt Sampson joins Foxhunter hall of fame at HOYS

Matt Sampson has added his name to the British Showjumping hall of fame, winning the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship at HOYS.

Amazing horse

Matt put in a great performance against the clock riding the eight-year-old Ebolensky to win the prestigious class by more than two seconds.

“My horse is amazing, I really think she is one of the best horses I have ever had,” said Matt, who is from Yorkshire, but is now based in Sussex. “She usually she rises to the occasion, which makes the job a bit easier when the horses are trying as hard as you are.

Jamie Wingrove was second with Heartstring, while Rachael Connor and Fantastic finished third.

‘Massive honour’

The Foxhunter was first contested in 1954 and previous winners include David Broome, Harvey Smith, Graham Fletcher, Malcolm Pyrah, John Whitaker and Scott Brash.

“Before the class, we were looking at previous winners and it just makes you want it even more,” said Matt. “It’s a massive honour. The feeling of winning here is what we all work every day towards trying to achieve. It is just brilliant.”

Mountain & Moorland

In showing, the TopSpec arena was packed out as the British Show Pony Society Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year classes took to the ring. They culminated with the afternoon championship, which Amy Smith was “gobsmacked” to win with her 10-year-old Connemara Laburnum Richard.

Another popular final was the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain & Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year Championship. Kelly Jones’ quality Connemara Skaergaardens Delicious Love took the accolade and was presented with her prize by Princess Anne, who is patron of the National Pony Society.

Pony Club Mounted Games

Princess Anne also watched Charlotte Dujardin win the Dressage Future Elite Championship for the second year running with Mount St John Freestyle. Maria Eilberg was second with Sarotti 57 and multiple British Paralympic medallist Sophie Wells came third with C Fatal Attraction.

From future equine stars to riding stars of the future, the Virbac 3D Worming Pony Club Mounted Games Cup came to a thrilling conclusion. This year’s qualifying teams include Oakley Hunt West, Romney Marsh, Banwen & District, West Hants, Eglinton Hunt and North Hereford.

Watch the action on H&C

It was a fiercely fought competition, but Oakley Hunt West, who were making their 25th appearance at HOYS, dominated the competition from the off. The team of Charlie Yates (14), Sophie Grimshaw (14), Jamie Medcalf (14), Jaimsye Bailey (14), Charlotte Sabatier (14) and Luke Grimshaw (12) finished with a commanding lead of 37 points – 10 points ahead of Eglinton in second place. Romney Marsh were third on 26.

You can watch the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship on H&C as well as other highlights from today’s thrilling action.

H&C’s daily round up of HOYS 2017 airs at 7.30pm from 5 – 9 October on Sky 253, or you can watch online via H&C Play.

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