Emma-Jo Slater stormed home to claim victory in Royal Windsor Horse Show’s prestigious Walwyn novice on the mare Kimba Time, fulfilling a long-held ambition for her breeder-producer Kim Barzilay.
“I’ve been trying to win this one for 20 years,” said Kim. “It’s been a little goal of mine and now it’s done.”
Course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral had set an inviting course for this six-year-old final, for which horses qualify during the morning’s Foxhunter class, won by Emily Sage on Cadiz Z, in the outside ring.
Seven combinations from the 12 starters made it through to the second round, where the majority delivered double clears round a flowing jump off track on day one of Royal Windsor Horse Show.
From midfield, John Crippen delivered a very competitive bid with Tim Peake’s talented Benny’s Kelly, which overturned the lead by more than 5 sec.
But it couldn’t quite hold off a challenge from Emma-Jo, who rode a forward and determined line to the last on the naturally quick Kimba Time to find an extra 0.56sec.
“I thought John was going to win it but he did nine strides to the last and Emma did eight, and that’s where she made up the time,” Kim said. “Before she went in, I just told her to go for it — she didn’t know how many strides she went on, she just went for it!”
Kimba Time is still in newcomers and has just started jumping at B&C level. She is out of the same dam as Kimba Castello, who is now being ridden by Holly Smith.
“I thought she had a chance of winning as she is really careful and really quick,” Kim said. “She’s been coming up through the grades nicely.”
Emma-Jo and John remained outliers 2 sec clear of the rest of the line-up, with Emily Sage collecting third place with Vogue TW.
Billy Stud-bred horses filled the remaining three places. William Funnell was fourth with Billy Jig and Lucy Townley sixth with Billy Hustle, who were both embryo transfer foals out of the same mare, Billy Sundance.
Melissa Gary slotted into fifth with Billy Elysng, who is owned by Sally Goding, winner of the opening day’s national 1.40m class.
You may also be interested in…
‘It’s a fantastic feeling when you get it right’: 18hh gelding and puissance debutant share Royal Windsor spoils
‘I wasn’t supposed to be jumping for four months’: rider returns from injury early to win at Royal Windsor
‘I questioned whether to give up on him’: perseverance pays off for winning home-bred at Royal Windsor
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
- Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
- Don’t miss all the action from Royal Windsor Horse Show online and in next week’s magazine, in the shops on Thursday, 19 May.
