Fame shines through the storm

Rain or shine, Carl's top horse proves unstoppable as contenders jostle for a coveted team place, and a freestyle debut lights up the final night

- MARTHA TERRY

Wellington Riding, Hants

FAME proved a model of high-level consistency at Wellington CDI3*, leaving Carl Hester “very excited” about the European Championships this summer, in what could be his 24th championship appearance. It really didn’t matter what was thrown at Fame, from crowds packed three-deep to watch the Olympian in action for Friday's grand prix, to Saturday's deluge in the special, the bright bay showed focus to match his power and expression, ears pricked despite the rain lashing down.

“He loves the job and doesn’t care about the rain,” said Carl. “I wasn't worried, but in our three years together, I've never competed him in the rain - it’s always been hot, 35C-plus - so I had to see how he coped.

“It just shows his maturity and our partnership. I've had lots of great horses in my career and I've always said he was one of the best.”

The pair scored 77.64% in the special, a smidgen above their grand prix score the previous day in the sunshine. “He's done four tests this year, all around 77%,” Carl said. “I know he's had these scores before, but for me, the difference is the way he's using his body now - he's still powerful and expressive, but he's much more relaxed. He's hot because he's a show-off, but he tries so hard not to make a mistake.”

Their one blip in the grand prix came in the final single flying change, when Fame added a couple of extra ones for good measure, which earned him threes and fours, while the super canter pirouettes on either side scored nines. With winning margins of 4.8 and 6.2%, Fame was simply a class apart.