In an equestrian world increasingly populated by warmbloods with fancy European pedigrees, Jesse Linton says there is still a place for a horse like Keltern William.
He and the striking skewbald, who is out of a thoroughbred mare (by His Royal Highness) and by a pinto stallion called Mustangs Bandit, this morning won the Five-year-old crown at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, after a outstanding jump-off.
“He’s brave, he’s easy, he’s the sort of horse who’s great for kids. He’s not flashy, but he finds nothing hard,” says Jesse.
Jesse co-owns the horse with Greg and Kim Best, and has produced him from scratch. When a massive 15 combinations went clear over the first round today, Jesse thought that the jump-off track would suit him. “There were quite a few tight turns, and he’s made for that kind of track because he’s quick and incredibly brave so he will turn on a dime.”
Two classy youngsters by Euro Sport Heartbreaker were second and third; Samantha Carrington took the runner-up spot on her family-bred Double J Hurricane (Euro Sport Heartbreaker/Double J Breeze), and John MacLennan was third on Tolley (ES Heartbreaker/Mrs Murphy).
Also double clear were fourth-placed Logan Massie and Cassio Xtreme, and fifth-placed Michelle Wakeling and BMW Braveheart. Anna Trent was the fastest of the 10 four-faulters, with Joopiter, for sixth place.
