Former top pony show jumper Micklow Madness proved he is capable of taking on “the big boys” by claiming the 1.20m grand prix for Laura Neilson at the KBIS Amateur & Veteran Championships at Arena UK (29 November – 2 December).
Micklow Madness won individual and team gold at the Pony European Championships last year with Daniel Neilson, but the decision to register him as a horse this season appears to be paying off.
Second place went to Ian Wynne riding Don Douglas, with Niki Pyrah and It’s Dime in third.
Alison Lines claimed the 1.10m grand prix with Jane Lishman’s Tradolin, while veterinary nurse Helen Joslin celebrated her biggest win to date on SS Hollywood Star when she claimed the 1m grand prix honours.
Natalie Meakin, 16, and Turante, won the 90cm grand prix from Rebecca Dearden riding Flash Biker by over 4sec.
Norman Proffitt claimed the first of two veteran championships — the minor grand prix — with his own Opium-Du-Centre. Norman nearly scored a double by taking the final day’s major veteran grand prix, but was pipped by last-drawn Bina Ford riding Amoray.
Read this report in full in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (13 December, ’07)