Two-way tie in Thistledown Puissance at HOYS

Guy Williams and Alfie Bradstock are the joint winners of the Thistledown Puissance at Horse or the Year Show, clearing a massive 2.16m (7ft 1in).

Iconic wall

The competition was one of the greatest Puissance classes in HOYS history, with the crowd treated to five rounds of bravery and skill.

Both Guy (Mr Blue Sky UK) and Alfie (H D’Or) cleared the iconic red wall to share the prestigious title.

Joss Williams was third, after he bowed out in the final round. However, he was given a rapturous reception as he was competing in memory of teenage Welsh schoolboy Bradley John, who tragically died last month.

‘Screaming and shouting’

While Guy is a regular face at HOYS he was on a young horse, who had never competed in a Puissance before.

“You need two of you to go head to head in the arena and try to get the result; it’s great for the crowd,” he said. “They were screaming and shouting and it’s great.”

“This show is fantastic, I bring my children every year and they love it.”

‘So much jump’

It was also a first for Alfie, who is based at Tina and Graham Fletcher’s yard.

“It is definitely the biggest crowd I have ever jumped in front of,” said the 23-year-old. “The horse has got so much jump in him, I don’t think there is much he couldn’t clear.

“You could not have got a much bigger stage than that arena tonight, the audience was right there with me.”

You can watch HOYS on Horse & Country as we are showing daily highlights at 7pm – just hours after the live event. Tonight’s show includes the thrilling Thistledown Puissance.

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