Nicole wins major showing title 24hrs after showjumping victory

Nicole Lockhead Anderson had her second Hickstead win in 24hrs at the Prenetics Royal International Horse Show.

Having won Thurday’s Al Shira’aa RIHS Six Year Old championship, the showjumper followed up with a showing championship win – the Saracen Horse Feeds Supreme Working Hunter Championship – with Paulette Cooper’s MJM Laszlo.

Like Nicole, MJM Laszlo is at home in both the showjumping arena and the show ring. “I did a bit of showing before I went to Holly Smith’s, and I’m very grateful that the owners of the horse let me do some workers on him. He’s just incredible – he’s just amazing at what he does. He’s been jumping recently with us, and he’s very good at it, but workers is where he thrives,” she said.

It was the second time the heavyweight gelding has taken the Supreme Working Hunter title at Hickstead, having won it in 2019 with Louise Lyons on board. He looked very much at ease once again in the International Arena today, showing off his impressive gallops to clinch the vote of the judges. “He’s always beautiful to ride; he’s like clockwork. He knows what to do – he’s just amazing, and he loves a big atmosphere,” added Nicole.

In reserve was the lightweight winner, Bloomfield Incognito, ridden by Ruby Ward.

The De La Hey Family Supreme Riding Horse Championship went to Eileen Jenkins’ Buriana Larkrise, ridden by Hannah Horton. Hannah, who is based in Newbury, also events up to Advanced level. “We always knew he was special, but to actually achieve it is incredible. He’s laid-back, but he’s got attitude and he knows he’s quite special – he’ll know it even more now!” says Hannah.  

Hannah described the victory as the horse’s biggest win so far, in what is his first full season in open working hunters. “He’s amazing at galloping – he gallops like an eventer and lowers and goes," she said. "But his trot is phenomenal too, and it’s got stronger the longer we’ve had him. It’s so nice for the owners, too, because he’s a home-bred.”

The reserve in this championship went to Wayne Thorneycroft and First Man, winners of the large riding horse class. 

Victoria Casey’s 10-year-old Connemara stallion Frederiksminde Volcano took the NPS/Supreme Products Supreme M&M Working Hunter Pony Championship after impressing with his handy jump and bold gallop.

For all showing results, click here. 

Tickets for the Prenetics Royal International Horse Show (21-25 July) are on sale now, costing £15 per adult, £10 concessions and under-16s going free. Visit the Box Office.