Move over for Brilliant Will

Young talent shines throughout the week, as two supreme firsttimers land top honours in the final reckoning of the show

- ALEX ROBINSON

Longines Royal International, All England Jumping Course, W Sussex

A DECADE after he debuted, and won, at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the SEIB Search For A Star series as a starry-eyed youngster with big dreams, Will Morton confirmed his status as the next giant of the showing world. He lifted his first Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse championship riding SarahAnn Gunn's exceptional lightweight hunter Kilcarna Brilliant (Chubbs).

Last to ride in the supreme, 26-year-old Will had watched six champions perform before it was his turn to win over the three esteemed judges: Pearl Underwood, Alison Ledingham and Tony Whipps.

Just minutes earlier, fellow Hickstead supreme first-timer Craig Kiddier and Susan Tennant's heavyweight working hunter Mulberry Lane had set the bar with their leading score of 28/30, but there were still two precious marks to play for.

Will began by showing off the Brilliant Lad eight-yearold's balanced and rhythmic paces. Chubbs looked through his bridle throughout with his ears pricked. Will then asked his trusty partner to lower and go down the grandstand side, before he smoothly turned and came back up again. He was not finished, though, as he kept Chubbs moving on at pace around the arena.

On Will's command, Chubbs came back down the gears to conclude with a swinging trot and a perfectly square halt. Will then removed his hat and praised his friend.

The judges each revealed their marks, and a nine plus two 10s put them on a winning total of 29/30.

Earlier in the week, Will had piloted Chubbs to the head of a thrilling Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain hunter championship. Prior to this year, Will said that the Royal International (RIHS) has always been "a bit of an unlucky one" for him.