‘A winning machine'

Sally Goding cleans up with a plethora of wins at Keysoe, while John Crippen is building up an exciting team

- PENNY RICHARDSON

SALLY GODING enjoyed a terrific weekend at Keysoe, where her victories included both 1.40m open classes on Corbeagh Luxor, a 1.30m win with Nintendo Van De Ijse and Foxhunter victory on Cooley Pot Of Gold.

“It was a good show and I was very happy with all the horses,” said the Sussex rider.

Sally is a busy lady. She currently has six horses in at her yard, plus another 10 she competes for Irishman Mark Dorgan.

“Luxor originally came to Mark to sell, but he has a unique way of going and no one could get on with him,” explained Sally. “It’s worked out well because Mark bought him and I now have the ride. As long as I leave Luxor alone and don’t interfere, he does everything I ask.”

Nintendo Van De Ijse was bought by Sally and her mother as a four-year-old. Now seven, the Belgian-bred gelding has taken time to produce.

“He’s sharp and it took a while to get to grips with him. It was only last season that he started to show what he could do,” said Sally.

“Cooley Pot Of Gold is a little winning machine and has won five Foxhunters since we returned from lockdown.”

Keysoe has been busy, and John Crippen was on form at the earlier midweek show. He added a 1.40m open win on The Flying Fox III to his earlier 1.20m victory with Half Of My Heart.

These horses are owned by Patricia Brown and Bernice Brooks, both of whom are hoping for a return to normality next season.

“They love the county circuit, so that’s what we’re aiming for. I have a good team for those classes now,” said John.