James Bond Spies The Prize

Becky Moody lands the top two spots in a competitive elementary, while Victoria Maw scores her first national title and supportive shoeing pays off for the medium victor

- Stephanie Bateman

BECKY MOODY ended a busy championship, riding six horses in 11 tests, by taking the top two spots in the Childeric Saddles elementary gold. The two five-year-olds James Bond II and Jagerbomb both scored 74.56%, but it was the KWPN licensed stallion James Bond who earned slightly more collectives to take the top spot.

They are two completely different horses: James Bond has more expressive paces while Jagerbomb earns marks through consistency. Despite their differences, Becky knows exactly how to get the best out of green, young horses and produced rhythmical, forward and balanced tests on both.

The Dutch-bred James Bond II, aka Q, is owned by Jo Cooper and David Webster.

“He is a mega mover and the trot work today was super,” said Becky of the Desperado x Fidertanz stallion. “He was a little behind me in the canter, so there were a couple of glitches, but he is such a talented horse and has a really good attitude, especially considering he is a stallion.”

Becky’s home-bred Jagerbomb, aka Bomb, by Dante Weltino, is out of a Jazz mare called Udysee, who Becky trained to grand prix before she injured her fetlock in the field and was retired to stud.

“She has had three foals for us and Bomb is her last one,” explained Becky. “I love the Dante Weltino bloodline — they have great temperaments. Bomb’s only five but he’s been giving people leads into the arena and back round the walk track — he is so cool.