Howley does the double

Richard Howley enjoys a successful show with a new ride, while Douglas Duffin has high hopes for his Foxhunter winner

- SUZANNE JONES

Weston Lawns End of Season Bash, Warks

RICHARD HOWLEY commanded a victory double with panache on new ride Matrone VD Donkhoeve, taking both the talent seekers and British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet grade C qualifier.

The pair finished with more than two seconds in-hand in both the 27-horse talent seekers decider and the following day’s 22-horse grade C jump-off at their third show together.

“I bought her two months ago but she’s done little through Covid-19 and I stepped her up this week. She’s naturally quick with a big stride and loves to run and jump,” said Richard of the supereasy Elvis Ter Putte x Canaletto eight-year-old purchased from George Whitaker.

“She goes in a snaffle, has a good mentality and is a fighter in the ring – she wants to win and that always makes it easier for the rider. I’m looking forward to taking her abroad and jumping 1.45m classes. She’s taken it all in her stride so far and is ready to step up again – she has a bright future,” added Richard, who was impressed with the steps organisers had taken over coronavirus.

Harry Wood claimed second in the talent seekers on the Baloubet Du Rouet 11-year-old Salvador V with early leader Faye Adams third aboard the Spartacus nine-year-old Gladiator VI.

James Smith settled for second in the grade C on the Double Up 2 x Indoctro eight-year-old HBF Delmar with Adam Botham picking up third on the nine-year-old Bruno.

Douglas Duffin landed the top spot of the Equitop GLME Foxhunter second round with Endyana EH Z.