Clocking a comeback

A rider returns triumphant after 11 years away, two champions reclaim their titles and a Highland pony father and son go head-to-head in the ring

- By CELESTE GALL

AFTER an 11-year sidesaddle showing hiatus – following a win at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2014 with Deauville – Jayne Pimbley slipped back into her habit and rode Dave and Rose Morgan’s Bloomfield Pocket Watch to victory in the HOYS ladies’ sidesaddle qualifier.

With a 14-strong lineup and having only sat on him just minutes before the class, the win was an emotional one for producer Peter Hodgkinson, who tragically lost his mother only the week before.

With usual rider Izzy Tyldesley pregnant and taking a break from riding, Peter approached Jayne to ask if she would take over the ride.

Jayne said: “I had taken a step back from the horses and let my daughter Alice take over the yard, but following her accident in May, I had to do them all again. I’ve fallen back in love with the job and started taking a few in for producing.

“It felt so good to be back in the ring and the win was very special for us all.”

Pocket Watch – who narrowly missed out on a HOYS ticket last season – is also NEC-bound for the first time in the small hunter final having won the qualifier at Royal Cheshire with Peter.

“TWICE AS SPECIAL”