Prestigious title results in historic dead heat

Two superstar seven-year-olds share a title and there's no stopping producer Tom Williams and his all-conquering team

- ELEANOR JONES

HISTORY was made in the Breen Equestrian seven-year-old championship as the title was split two ways, with Pippa Goddard and Georgia Tame both finishing clear on 37.49sec.

Georgia and Breen Equestrian’s BE Thiassi had held top spot from third in the eight-strong jump-off with the only clear. So Pippa, riding Tom Williams' PDV Constanza, had something of a dilemma when she came in last.

She and the Spanish-bred Cornet Obolensky mare were by then the only combination still eligible for the British Showjumping (BS) £4,000 prize pot, for those who jump double clear in both qualifiers and the final.

"Of course, Tom and I wanted to win but when I went in, the commentator said I was the only one still on for the bonus," she said.

"I knew Georgia was the only clear, but she was quick enough, so if I went for a steady clear, I'd be second and still win the bonus. But I didn't go for that tactic - I just tried to go fast enough without going mad. I've never had a dead heat before but a win's a win, I'll take that!"

Constanza has recently been on fabulous form, winning at Hickstead last month and qualifying for the Foxhunter final.

"She's quite fiery, but she loves to run and jump," Pippa said. "She's so careful and tries her heart out. She's an amazing horse and I love her to bits."

Georgia bought BE Thiassi, by Cuick Star Kervec, from her breeders Shane and Chloe Breen in the Breen Equestrian auction last September, shortly after the mare was second in the six-year-old final at Hickstead.

"She's a naturally fast horse, and the first two riders had one down," she said. "I thought it was better not to risk it, just trust how quick she is and hopefully put a bit of pressure on the others."

Georgia did not try the mare before she bought her - she just "really liked the look of her".