Romelus shows star quality
Horse & Hound|August 22, 2024
Jessica Burke's stunning sevenyear-old gelding enjoys the spotlight as these new-look championships receive great acclaim
SARAH RADFORD
Romelus shows star quality

TWO weeks after taking home the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Irish rider Jessica Burke was on winning form again at Hickstead, heading the Breen Equestrian British seven-yearold final with the promising Romelus De Muze.

The first round track of this feature final was fair but elicited light, scattered faults and eight pairs from 48 starters made the second phase.

In the jump-off, Jessica and the Bamako De Muze x Marius Claudius gelding took the advantage from midfield, holding the edge over rival bids, including from fellow Irish rider David Simpson (Mambo NR 5 “B”), who was up on the clock but dislodged an early rail.

It was left to Daniella Johnston, fresh from victory in the newcomers masters at Stoneleigh (see p54), to take runner-up with Tina IV, while Lottie Tutt (Billy Pronto) was 0.16sec off her heels for third.

“Initially I thought I’d try to jump another clear and try to qualify for the FEI’s world breeding championships at Lanaken, but I spoke to Roger McCrea and he said, ‘Go and try to win, you haven’t asked him to win a class before’ – and it worked,” Hampshirebased Jessica said.

“It was the first time I’ve gone that quickly with him but it shows we have the rideability in the right place, the round felt nice and smooth.”

Romelus De Muze was bought on the Sunshine Tour as a five-year-old, having a light campaign last year followed by a build-up towards Lanaken as his principal aim this term.

This story is from the August 22, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 22, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
'Is it time for a scheduling rethink?'
Horse & Hound

'Is it time for a scheduling rethink?'

Ronnie Lee Jones on calendar clashes and the growing trend of leasing

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Bloodstock auctioneer
Horse & Hound

Bloodstock auctioneer

Shirley Anderson-Jolag on a background in performing arts, practising with her dog and imposter syndrome

time-read
3 mins  |
January 23, 2025
'You could put your granny on him'
Horse & Hound

'You could put your granny on him'

Losing your confidence, or not having much to begin with, can be both frustrating and traumatic. Alex Robinson meets riders who have pushed through barriers, aided by some special horses

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Nielson nails it
Horse & Hound

Nielson nails it

An exciting new partnership seals grand prix honours and several riders come to the fore on unexpected catch rides

time-read
5 mins  |
January 23, 2025
What's that noise?
Horse & Hound

What's that noise?

Diseases of the upper airway are colloquially known as problems with the horse's “wind”, and often manifest as noise. Phil Cramp MRCVS explains

time-read
6 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Oliver Townend
Horse & Hound

Oliver Townend

A man who'd prefer to let his horses do the “talking”, the nine-time five-star winner sits down with Catherine Austen to discuss the inimitable Ballaghmor Class and why he considers horses his true mates

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Happy groom, happy horse
Horse & Hound

Happy groom, happy horse

Top grooms give Charlie Fiset an insight on how the best employers help them thrive in the work they love, and how to recruit quality employees

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Pocket rocket springs a surprise
Horse & Hound

Pocket rocket springs a surprise

Annabel Widdowson launches her 2025 campaign with a double qualification and a 15.2hh mare is flying

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
'I viewed myselfas a girl - no match for the men'
Horse & Hound

'I viewed myselfas a girl - no match for the men'

Geraldine Rees on her historic ride in the 1982 Grand National and her knack of finding sympathy with tricky horses

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Soegaards Bon Royal
Horse & Hound

Soegaards Bon Royal

Laura Tomlinson's grand prix star took her back to London for the first time in eight years and looks set for a bright future. Oscar Williams meets him

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025