Disckoboy does the double

The grand prix produces an end-of-season test for the 21 contenders as Olli Fletcher dominates the top classes

- SARAH RADFORD

Winter Classic, Hartpury, Glos

OLLI FLETCHER was taking no prisoners on his final outing of 2020, claiming both Saturday night’s 1.40m open and Sunday’s grand prix with his great partner Hello Disckoboy DN.

A slim calendar meant quality, fresh horses were being brought out for this show and the majority of jump-offs had large, competitive fields.

The grand prix was no different, with course-builder Krissy Spiller producing a fastdeciding phase that was still enough of a jumping test to sort the 21-strong line-up without being punishing.

A lofty target was set midfield by Chloe Reynolds and her diminutive 15.1hh superstar Grenadier Volo, who at eight years old has recently stepped up to seriously contesting grands prix.

But Olli and his second ride Hello Disckoboy were able to shear an impressive 1.31sec from their lead when they cut out a stride on a long run down to the double, also scything a turnback to a vertical on the final line.

Only a brilliantly flowing late effort from Sienna Charles and Yair and Kiki Zivs’ 11-year-old mare Chinta Van Geluut Z was enough to worry Olli’s advantage, trailing by just 0.35sec to slot into to second place.

“When I went in, Chloe was in the lead and she never gets beaten, so I thought I had nothing to lose,” said Olli, who was well up to match speed having recently returned from Vilamoura, where the Fletchers took 15 horses. “When I went through the finish I didn’t think I could have done any more.”