Ireland’s Cian O’Connor has won the finale of this year’s Horse of the Year Show – the Leading Showjumper of the Year.
With borrowed ride Super Sox, O’Connor won the Grand Prix after a thrilling eight-horse jump-off that saw him beat Britain’s John Whitaker by 0.04sec.
“This is a very prestigious Grand Prix, so it is one I have always wanted to get my hands on,” said Cian, who won individual bronze at the London 2012 Olympics.
It was also an emotional win for the Irishman, who received heartbreaking news at the show the last time he competed here.
“I was going for a walk this morning, and I thought back to my last time here two years ago, and I had to leave here after the second day because I got the very sad news that my mum had passed away,” he explained.
“My mum was always the type of person who would do anything for you, and I just thought I am going to win that Grand Prix tonight, and if I do, I will dedicate it to my mum.”
Super Sox is normally ridden by the USA’s Lillie Keenan, whom Cian trains and whose string of horses he manages. “I keep them ticking over, but the last time I jumped Sox in the ring was Olympia last December,” he said.
Runner-up John Whitaker looked rueful as he spotted the clock on the big screen following his superb round on his Rio 2016 ride.
“Ornellaia did everything I asked, and you have got to be pleased with that,” he said.
Horse & Country’s coverage of HOYS is brought to you in association with TopSpec. Watch the daily highlights show on H&C TV each night at 7.30pm from Thursday to Monday. Watch on Sky 253 or sign up to H&C Play to watch on your computer, smart phone or tablet.