Robert Walker and Sliabh Nambon Mist clinched the Patey Hats Supreme Hunter championship with a lovely mannerly display in Hicksteads international arena.
Although the finalists were denied galloping to preserve the ground in the main arena, Monserratt Sport Horses classy grey gelding had already done enough to impress judges Rosemary Connors (Ireland) and Linda Brundenell to win his middleweight class in the outside ring.
“Every time we looked at him, he oozed star quality and appeal, they said.
The Irish-bred Enoville Lad nine-year-old was bought from Limerick Junction as a four-year-old. Placed at Horse of the Year Show as a five- and six-year-old, he earned eight championships last season, and he was supreme hunter champion at Bramham this term.
Standing reserve was Lorraine Homer riding Ann Smurfitts Great Yorkshire champion Bow River, who headed the lightweight line up. Completing a hat trick of wins for Irish-bred horses, Carol Bardos 2006 Royal International champion Silverstream stood top of the heavyweights.
Jane Cooper riding Sarah Clarks Togher Princess registered their fourth victory of the season when heading a strong line up of eighteen ladies hunters. In her second season with the Frankfort Boy-sired seven-year-old, Jane Cooper considers her to be an amazing sit on. She is a true ladies horse.
The elegant grey mare, who is produced by Alwyn Fradley, has also proved to be an outstanding hunter who follows the Quorn hounds in winter.
Just missing out on a third consecutive victory was second placed Katie Jerram riding her mother Jills Advance Party, while another attractive grey, the Countess Goess-Sauraus Granite City took third.
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