'I really wasn't expecting this'

Seven years after claiming the pony equivalent, a 23-year-old wins the leading showjumper of the year, with siblings taking second and third, headlining a high-class week of sport

- ELEANOR JONES

Horse of the Year Show, NEC, Birmingham

JODIE HALL MCATEER travelled from her Dutch base to Birmingham for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – and “paid her bills” by winning the leading showjumper of the year title after a thrilling jump-off.

Jodie and her mother Mandy’s 11-year-old mare Hardessa saw off all comers, which included some of the cream of British showjumping talent. Harry Charles, who took the title two years ago, came second on his Olympic partner Romeo 88, with his sister Sienna third on Harry’s 2021 winning ride Stardust, who is owned by Stall Zet and looked after by Hattie ElzaScudder.