With a field including The Queen’s horse and a mare who already has a 2021 Windsor win under her belt, it was all to play for in this morning’s intermediate championship
ZARA Brookes added another win and section championship to Team Walker’s 2021 Royal Windsor Horse Show tally with Nick Brookes’ stunning gelding Parkgate Royal Visit William. The 11-year-old small contender put on a foot-perfect display with Zara on route to the intermediate title.
They reigned over Gary Parr with Georgina Wilkes’ winning show hunter, Mexican Summer, who had clinched the ladies’ show hunter class with her owner at the helm here just two days before.
William is one of the most prolific show horses on the circuit, successfully contending intermediate and hack classes. He’s won Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) and here, he gave Zara her first ever Windsor championship.
“It’s always been an unlucky show for me,” said Zara, as she left the ring after the championship. “I was quite stressed this morning; the rain put me off a little as I was worried about the ground being a bit slippy. But it actually worked in our favour as it was softer and he went really well.”
Zara has moved straight from show pony ranks into intermediates, and she says that the non-existent 2020 season was a blessing in disguise for her and William:
“We got extra time to bond” she said. “I was able to really get used to him and could practice with no pressure.
“He’s a great horse and is definitely the yard favourite. He’s like a human; my mum would have him in the house if she could.”
William is based with Team Walker and Robert takes the ride in hack classes.
“We share him and it works well,” said Zara, who has owned William since the RIHS in 2019.
The Queen’s Daydream III headed the large section for Ellie Greenhalgh. The four-year-old was a winner on the first day of the show in the ridden sport horse class with producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable.
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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Read more reports from Royal Windsor…
Meet the 2021 Royal Windsor judges *H&H Plus*
A novice Dales stallion is supreme M&M ridden and a cob nets the coloured accolade: results from day three of Royal Windsor
Working hunters are tested and true amateurs shine: round-up of winners from day one of Royal Windsor
A Connemara mare delights her connections and the cob championship produces tears: the results from day two of Royal Windsor
Tales from Windsor: former five-star eventer Happy Times takes show ring by storm
The gelding, who is now 22, was the long-time partner of Sam Griffiths...
