McLean's on top again

The young Scottish showjyumper continues to impress as new combinations also shine

- SARAH RADFORD

Hartpury Winter Classic, Glos

SANDY MCLEAN had enjoyed such a successful 2023 that he admitted he never goes into a jump-off now “thinking ‘I can’t win’. I think, ‘How am I going to win?’” – and it was a characteristically bold round that propelled him to victory in the winter grand prix with Jemma Williams’ Zoey 12.

Sandy had travelled from his new base at Matt Pike’s in West Sussex for just one day to target the big class, where he found himself in the penultimate draw in the jump-off on the 15.1hh mare.

A competitive clear from Alex Bragg and his former three-star eventer Hegglelane Houston had already laid down the gauntlet, establishing more than three seconds advantage over early leaders Sasha Erander and Godies.

But Sandy and the sassy 12-year-old seemed to become quicker the further they travelled around Paul Connor and Krissy Spiller’s track, storming the final three fences to forge 1.29sec of headway.

“For a little horse she has got a big enough stride and when everyone else has to pull I can let her keep flowing on,” Sandy said. “She is so quick, she is like a pony on her turns. She really wants to try for you.”

Sandy’s win came on the back of a victory in the London International under-25 final with his top ride Gino F – who is now having a break until Kelsall Hill’s classic – as well as a one-two in the grand prix at Northcote (2–5 November) with Gino and Zoey.