Vicky Tuffs presented with the trophy by British Eventing CEO David Holmes
“We just think he’s so special” says Vicky Tuffs of Max McInerney, the 2018 British Eventing 5-Year-Old Champion crowned at The London Capital & Finance Osberton International Horse Trials last Friday
The 17.1h gelding hasn’t always been perfect – he was a bit quick when Vicky started riding him and managed to get her off a few times when she started riding him – but he finished second in the 4 Year Old Championship last year and went one better last week
Piggy French headed up the class after the dressage on board Igel with a score of 28 but Vicky and Max McInerney were close behind on 28.9, moving into the lead when Piggy dropped a rail in the show jumping
Ros Canter and Izilot DHI
There were very few jumping problems on cross country but time was of the essence with a well-judged round required and too fast a time being penalised. Vicky timed it well, despite ‘being renowned for going slowly’
“I could hear (on the commentary) that people were getting time faults for going too fast or going too slow and no-one seemed to be getting it right, so I thought ‘I have to get this right for him’”
Emily King checks her watch over the last on Vamonos
Going in reverse order, the last few combinations boasted some big names in the sport with Emily King on Vamonos finishing in second place (29.40), Ros Canter and Izilot DHI in third (29.50), Samantha Jimmison on Iquitos in fourth (29.80), Kitty King on Fernhill Mohito in fifth (30.80) and Piggy French on Cooley Candyman in sixth (30.8) but Vicky finished on her dressage score for the win.
Samantha Jimmison on Iquitos
Vicky has produced some very talented young horses in the past that have been sold to other riders but ‘Big Tom’ is one she is hanging on to with their dream of competing in the World Championships at le Lion in sight for next year
Vicky Tuffs
Vicky and Max McInerney (above) and celebrating (below)
