Woodward is a class act

A complex character rewards his rider’s patience with a third international win, while a 17-year-old makes her mark

- ELLIE HUGHES

TOM WOODWARD and Jaeger Master made it a hattrick of international wins when they out-galloped their rivals to land the 113-strong CCI3*-S.

Tom and the British-bred 10-year-old, who is owned by Team Joey, turned in the joint-quickest round across country to add 5.2 time-penalties to their dressage score of 32.7.

“On his day he’s world class, but I have to admit it was a relief to get a good run under our belts as I tipped off him last time out at Burnham Market,” said Tom, 22, who won Nunney CCI2*-S in 2022 and Kelsall Hill CCI3*-S last spring with the gelding.

“He jumped brilliantly here. We were probably quite fortunate to have an early draw and the best of the going, but I never felt like I had to push him out of his rhythm.”

“Joey” does not make his rider’s life easy at a competition.

“He gets bored quickly, so the more work I can give him, the better,” said Tom. “He was very lively all week at Osberton, but went in and performed when it mattered.”