Liverpool, England – December 28, 2019 – Liverpool fan Guy Williams (GBR) had plenty of cause for celebration after claiming an impressive victory on the opening day of the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show CSI 4*.

Williams, excited by the Reds’ seemingly unstoppable march to Premier League title glory under Jurgen Klopp this season, won €25,000 The Pullman Hotel Prize CSI 4*, Liverpool feature jumping class at M&S Bank Arena.

The one round competition against the clock saw British Nations Cup rider Guy steer 14-year-old stallion Rouge de Ravel (Ultimo Van Ter Moude x Quouglof Rouge) home in a masterful display.

Their clear round in 54.81 seconds set a blistering pace that no-one threatened – apart from Lily Attwood (GBR), who is a rider that Guy trains.

Drawn last to go, Lilly and Karibou Horta finished just 21 hundredths of a second behind Guy for second place, with Ireland’s Michael Pender (IRL) taking third on Verdict de Kezeg (Diamant de Semilly x Vas Y Donc Longane) with no penalties and a time of 56.35 seconds.

William Funnell (GBR) finished fourth aboard Billy McCain (Cevin Z x Cruising).

“He (Rouge de Ravel) has won probably 20 ranking classes this year, and that was really up his street, to be honest,” said Guy, who landed a top prize of just over £7,000.

“He is very fast, and the only one I was worried about was Lily at the end, because I train her and that horse is very quick as well.

“Your horse had to be really balanced and a good jumper out there. There was no room for error, really. It was a good result for me and Lily.

“I am a Liverpool supporter as well, so it is great to be here and to enjoy the city. Nina Barbour (show director) does such a fantastic job with the shows at Liverpool and Bolesworth.

“We will aim for the ranking classes, and I have also got my puissance horse here, so we will try and win as much as we can.”

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release by Tim Smith for Liverpool International Horse Show

Photo: © LIHS / Liverpool International Horse Show