Juan Carlos Garcia won the Bunn Leisure Trophy at Hickstead. Photo (c) Craig Payne.
The 1.50 Bunn Leisure Trophy - Friday's feature class at Hickstead - was won by Italy’s Juan Carlos Garcia aboard Gitano V Berkenbroeck (Nabab de Reve x Ti Amo vh Lambroeck). “It's my second time here, it's a fantastic show with great traditions and one of the few places you can come and compete on grass in a big arena,” he said.
Dutch rider Doron Kuipers finished second with Zinius (Nabab de Reve x Kannan), almost two seconds behind the winner in this two-phase class. Home rider Ben Maher took a popular third place with Aristo Z (Andiamo x Flamenco Semilly), just fractions behind the runners-up.
In the first international class of the day, the 1.45 Bunn Leisure Vase, Ireland's Billy Twomey won on board Thomas (Quidam de Revel x Naturel). The pair also won the Ton Hudson Derby Trophy at Hickstead last month.
“He went well at the Derby meeting, and he’s improving all the time. He takes quite a hold in front of the fence, so with a big ring like this it gives me more time to organise him. But he’s always looking out for the next jump and he just seemed to be on it today,” said Billy.
Source: Press release from The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead // Picture © Craig Payne