Silver Mine strikes gold

A 10-year-old jockey eclipses her older rivals in the working hunter pony classes, and an exciting four-year-old show hunter pony shines in the championship

- By CELESTE GALL

ANYA DEWEY CLARKE, 10, posted the only clear in the 143cm plaited working hunter pony (WHP) class - and one of just seven across all sections to book her return ticket to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and bag the championship title aboard the 16-year-old grey gelding Tullibards Silver Mine (Monty).

As one of the youngest riders in the class, Anya used her showjumping experience to guide Monty around David Cole’s challenging track to impress judges Nigel and Stuart Hollings.

“It was a brave and exciting round that went at a proper hunting pace,” said Nigel.

Anya and Monty have also qualified for Royal International (RIHS) in both the plaited WHP class and the 138cm showjumping final in the main ring, in addition to the Burghley Gold Cup final.

"We only started doing workers with Monty last year and he has had to adapt from showjumping, but they are now a great fit together," said Anya’s mother Anna.

Guy Hamilton stood reserve with the 133cm victor Nellfield Blueboy. The pair are also heading to Hickstead with two tickets for the nursery stakes and the 13hh WHP finals.