A SUPER-CHILLED performance in a supercharged atmosphere gained The Queen’s retrained racehorse champion Barbers Shop, expertly ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable, the show’s new overall supreme ridden title.
A total of 14 champions fought for the £750 purse, but fortunes changed between the preliminary judging on grass, where space was more limited but the surroundings were quieter, and the grand finale in front of The Queen in the spacious, buzzing Castle Arena.
A hyped-up audience, on a high from witnessing Nick Skelton and Big Star’s emotional retirement just moments earlier, was vociferous in support of each contender. This proved a crucial factor in the final outcome.
To his credit, Barbers Shop never turned a hair throughout. After walking calmly around the arena without missing a beat, a raking – but mannerly – gallop was followed by a rock-solid halt.
This story is from the May 21, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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This story is from the May 21, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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