‘The best one we've ever had'

Team Walker present their next string of top-class horses, while two young sisters reign

- ALEX ROBINSON

The Lands Freestep Novice Show Horse Championship, Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warks

SHOW horse supremo Robert Walker fielded both supreme placings with Jill Day’s two promising young horses.

His showstopper was the four-year-old middleweight Greenhall Treasure Island (Larry). Bred by Derrie Rothman and by Island Commander, the lovely bay gelding was shown by Dessie Gibson as a two-year-old and his tally that year included the young horse supreme at Royal Dublin.

“He has so much limb and movement but the best thing about him is his brain,” said Robert, who rode Larry to win the novice championship at UK Nationals the week previous. “My wife, Sarah, thinks he could be the best one we’ve ever had.’

Taking reserve for the team was lightweight contender MHS Morning Master. “TJ” is another with a stellar in-hand CV; in 2018 he won and was reserve in the Cuddy in-hand supreme final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). TJ also won the three-year-old championship at Dublin just a few months before his victory at the NEC.

Working hunters were also given the opportunity to shine. Section champion was Mark Whitney and Cassie Cross’ Thanks A Billion who was piloted by Helen Newbold.

The seven-year-old is by the Irish Draught stallion Killea Hill View and out of a Carrick Diamond Lad mare. He was bought last summer as a hunter.