Puissance winners Chris Megahey (IRL), Holly Smith (GBR) and Louise Saywell (GBR – picture) all paid tribute to this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show after they produced a thrilling Saturday night finale.
A capacity crowd at the Echo Arena Liverpool revelled in a high-class competition that saw all three riders – Chris on Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier, Holly with Quality Old Joker and Louise on Dassler – clear a fifth round height of seven feet two inches.
Louise Saywell (GBR) & Dassler
The class, sponsored by Equitop Myoplast, is always a firm favourite among spectators, and once again it did not disappoint.
Christopher Megahey (IRL) & Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier
“I’ve had the horse for four years, and been really successful with him,” Irishman Chris said. “I’ve been here every year of the Liverpool show – I think I was third in the puissance in the first year – and it is such a really good show.”
Christopher Megahey (IRL) & Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier
Four combinations made it through to the fifth and final round – with the famous red wall built to a jaw-dropping 2.20 metres – and three went clear to ensure a share of the top prize.
Holly Smith (GBR) & Quality Old Joker
Reflecting on her performance, Holly said: “Quality Old Joker is a great jumping horse in his own right. He was third in the Hickstead Derby this year.
Holly Smith (GBR) & Quality Old Joker
“All my horses have gone really well this week, and I am delighted.”
And Louise added: “The horse is very scopey, and I know he can do it in a class like the puissance.
“I’ve been coming here for three years now, and Nina Barbour and her team put on a fantastic event.”
Source: Press Release by Liverpool International Horse Show
Photo: © Liverpool International Horse Show
Categories: CSI 4*
