WARWICKSHIRE-BASED showjumper Robert Smith has won The Bunn Leisure Trophy at Hickstead as part of the BHS Royal International Horse Show.
The Yorkshireman, who is based in Shrewley, was fourth to go with the ten-year-old Ilton, owned by Robert and Karina Reily.
Guy Williams was the only one to beat him for time on Rouge De Ravel, but he lowered a rail to drop down the order, leaving Smith in the top spot.
He said; “I knew they’d have to run to catch him. I kept everything very tight and he’s pretty quick across the ground,” said Smith.
“My aim for him is the King’s Cup. It’s a big ask but he’s got a chance; he’s never seen a lot of those fences before but nothing much fazes him.”
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at the BHS Royal International Horse Show is one of the oldest equestrian events in the world, as well as one of the biggest outdoor horse shows in the country.
