London, England – December 16, 2022 – The opening 5* Jumping class, the €37,000 Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes CSI 5*-W, was won by Harry Charles (GBR), riding Billabong du Roumois. A total of 14 of the 34 starters jumped clear in the first round, paving the way for a scintillating jump-off, featuring some of the world’s best horse and rider combinations. Charles set the standard as first to go in the jump-off, with a quick clear aboard the 11-year-old chestnut Selle Français gelding (Mylord Carthago*HN x Papillon Rouge&Normandie) in a time of 30.60 seconds, putting the pressure on those to follow. The World No. 1 Under 25 rider, already a winner at the Show following his victory in the Under 25 Championship yesterday is clearly looking to retain the Leading Rider of the Show title he won in 2021.
Those who followed struggled to match Charles’ pace, picking up faults trying to emulate his tight turns. Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) put in a good effort with Count Me In (Count Grannus x Sherlock Holmes), posting clear in a time of 32.26 seconds, which would be good enough for silver honors.
Jack Whitaker (GBR) and Equine America Valmy de la Lande (Mylord Carthago*HN x Starter) also produced a top performance, with a clear round in 33.15 seconds to go into third with just two to go. The penultimate to go, Roger Yves Bost, gave his best shot, but his time was only good enough for eventual fourth, leaving Harry to take the victory for the second year in a row.
The London International Horse Show ambassador said: “What a great feeling to come back here, after last year, to win yesterday and then to do it again today, it’s a dream start. I’m lucky to have such a quick horse like him, he is a rocket across the ground, he’s now won two of his last three classes and was second in the other. It’s been a great start to the show, which gives me great confidence for the rest of the week.”
Final Results – €37,000 The Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes CSI 5*-W
1) Harry Charles (GBR) & Billabong du Roumois – 0 / 0 –30.60
2) Conor Swail (IRL) & Count Me In – 0 / 0 – 32.26
3) Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Valmy de la Lande – 0 / 0 – 33.15
Source: Press Release by Niki McEwen / Revolution World for The London International Horse Show
Photos: © LIHS / Louie Gonzalez
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Great Britain
