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‘He rides like a Ferrari’: reigning Hickstead champion scoops maxi cob of the year title

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • The reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) maxi cob champion defended his title as the best in the game as he won the Leeman Family HOYS 2024 maxi cob of the year title on the penultimate day of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

    Vicky Smith got a smooth tune out of A Red Knight, a nine-year-old bay gelding owned by Miranda Wallace.

    Known at home as Razzle, he’s been based with Vicky in Cheshire since the end of last season after being leased for a season by young rider Phoebe Price.

    “I did feel the pressure [coming to HOYS] a little bit,” said Vicky, who last won HOYS on a cob in 2021 when Bling Cobsby took the lightweight crown. “I judge these classes so I know how well they all god. Razzle is so special; he’s like a Ferrari to ride.”

    This win has been a major team effort, as Vicky explained: “I was so busy this morning so someone from the team worked Razzle in for me. Even though we’ve been manic you know he’ll deliver the goods for us.”

    Long-term Miranda hadn’t ridden in the ring for eight years, opting to be supporting at the ringside, though Razzle got her back into the spotlight in September.

    “She rode in the ring at the BSHA national championships,” Vicky confirmed. “Eventually, he’ll go back to Exmoor for Miranda’s Dad to hunt.

    “I’ve had a tough year and my owners have been so supportive and loyal,” Vicky added. “I’m so grateful.”

    Oliver Hood finished reserve in the 2024 maxi cob of the year final riding the Auriel Wilson-owned Indigo Jones, while Carole Harrison’s Cappa Noah finished in third place with Victoria Brooks in the saddle.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    H&H showing editor
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK.
    Alex Robinson

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