Avril Blundell and Dallas Gazumpa carried off two major titles at Unex Towerlands in Essex on their seasonal debut. Having their first outing since HOYS, they opened their account with a win and the subsequent riding horse championship.
The outstanding 10-year-old son of Dallas then impressed John and Sue Rawding to take the winter amateur tricolour, and returned as fresh as a daisy to earn Avril her first overall supreme under John Rawding.
“He’s a lovely, lovely horse. One of the best in the country, who showed great presence, even after three days’ work,” said John.
“He was bored in the field, so we brought him in a month ago, and he really rose to the occasion,” said Avril. “I wouldn’t swap him for anything in the world. I wish we could clone him.”
Lucy Stennett earned the reserve supreme with her open coloured champion, Pussy Galore. Produced by Katie Jerram, the seven-year-old tobiano also collected her Royal International ticket here.
Georgia Harvey was called forward as second reserve with Rillaton Trade Fair. Having benefited from a recent clinic with Justine Armstrong-Small, Georgia, nine, clinched the Timberwolf Championship on the opening evening.
According to Georgia’s mother, Judy, the five-year-old son of Basford Court Jester carries Georgia about bareback, in just a headcollar, at home.
“He’s so laid back, we let them have lots of gallops — but with the tack on,” added Judy.
