Jacko scores first win

A horse who has had foot problems comes through to take a novice

- CATHERINE AUSTEN

Launceston (1), Cornwall

GEORGINA EWELL won “the only novice in Cornwall” on eight-year-old Kilcoltrim Jacko. The 21-year-old, who has just finished an equine science and business degree at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, added two cross-country time-faults to her dressage mark of 25.

“This is his first affiliated win – he has been on the verge of a good result for a while, but stupid errors on my part or green mistakes on his have meant it hasn’t happened,” said Georgina.

The Jack Of Diamonds 17 .2hh gelding has occasional bouts of time off with foot problems, so this was a particularly pleasing success. Georgina hopes to step up to two-star and then intermediate level before the end of the season.

She praised the “lovely, level” dressage arenas, which are on the pitches at Launceston rugby club, the extended showjumping arena and warm-up and the flowing cross-country course, designed by Lucy McCarthy and built by the Willis brothers.