Joe Trunkfield and Grennanstown Sarco Luxhill secured victory in the feature grand prix on Sunday (6 November) at Arena UK’s hastily rescheduled Winter Classic showjumping show – taken on at short notice after Keysoe’s cancellation. Joe credits team-chasing in the summer for the horse’s happy frame of mind.
“It keeps his mind clear and he loved it,” said Joe, who has established a bond with Su and Gordon Hall’s 12-year-old, who has a reputation as a “bit of a beast”.
“He’s grumpy in the stable but that’s his character – I think he’s happy being grumpy,” said Joe. “You have to get on with him, you can’t boss him, but he’s the best horse I’ve had and my best mate.”
Of the 44 competitors who took on course-designer Mark McGowan’s 1.40m track of distance and rideability questions, only seven posted clears, Mark Edwards claiming two.
Mark set an early target on Montreuxs Tale, but Joe set off determinedly and trusted the Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Olympic Lux gelding to gallop, wiping 0.31 sec off the time. Mark had to settle for second with William Walker’s mid-draw effort taking third on I’m Special The One AK.
“All he does at home is hack and jump a few hedges, he rarely goes in the school – that’s his routine and he’s happy,” said Joe. “I know he can jump the oxers, but I love it when I see a set of planks because he’s so careful, I can ride him at them – it’s the best feeling ever.”
Grennanstown Sarco Luxhill made headlines with his previous rider, Tabitha Kyle, when they successfully competed in children-on-horses classes.
Joe jumped in his first ever two-star grand prix with “Bart” at Keysoe in October and it has given him a taste for bigger things.
“I’ve not had the horses to do international shows before, but I’d like to take that step,” he said.
You can read the full report from Arena UK’s Winter Classic in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, in the shops Thursday 10 November.
You may also like to read…
King Edward rules again and a teenager enjoys an ‘I beat John Whitaker’ moment
What happens when you team up a petite 11-year-old rider with a 17.2hh-plus ‘beast’ of a horse?
Take a look at this incredible pint-sized jockey
‘A grand prix horse in a pony body’: legendary 21yo jumper and 7yo rider take style title
‘I wouldn’t have picked myself to win’: surprise winner of 1.40m title at British Showjumping national championships
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
