Guy Williams has won the inaugural Michael Mac Memorial Trophy in a closely fought competition, with half a second separating the top five.
Good start
Guy stopped the clock with Casper De Muze in a time of 29.23sec, just in front of Norwegian runner-up Victoria Gulliksen and Billy Buttercup (29.31sec). Nicole Pavitt was third with Our Duchess (29.60sec), while Ireland’s Billy Twomey was fourth (29.74sec) and John Whitaker came fifth (29.76sec).
“I think it was the same route for everyone in the jump-off, but my horse has got a big stride,” said Guy. “It was always going to be close in the jump-off, and this is a very good start to the week.”
In memory
The two-phase class, which is new to HOYS this year, is in memory of former British Showjumping chairman and international rider Michael Macwho died from cancer earlier this year, aged 52.
Prizes were presented by Michael’s widow Emma and their family.
“Michael did a lot for the sport,” Guy said. “To win it is nice to do so in his memory.”
Bon voyage
Following a busy show in Birmingham, Guy will be moving across the channel to Normandy in France. They plan to be at their new home by Christmas.
“I have sold my house in Kent, and while I have looked elsewhere in England, the properties are very expensive for what I need,” he said. “We’ve bought a lovely place not far from Deauville in Normandy.
Day three of HOYS finished with the Sky Sports Trophy, which saw an international line-up. Germany’s David Will took the title riding Colorit, while French rider Julien Epaillard came second onboad Cristallo A LM. Robert Whitaker was the highest placed Brit coming third with USA Today, ahead of his cousin Joe in fourth place.