Wills Oakden claimed a fairy-tale double of victories on home turf at the final Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials.
Perthshire-based Wills topped the CCI-L4* category, with Keep It Cooley, and also the CCI-L2* section, with Mile Beach.
He was in fifth place after the first phase dressage section of the long format 4* three-day event, the most advanced of the eventing competitions at Blair.
But he moved to the top of the leader board after recording the fastest cross country round of the day on Keep It Cooley, owned by Scots Geoff and Elspeth Adams.
Wills collects £4,000 first prize
Horse and rider had three fences in hand going into the final showjumping phase.
With an early pole falling, their margin was reduced.
But their win was never in doubt when jumping the rest of the course clear.
In a rare show of emotion, Wills punched the air with delight as he passed the finishing line to claim the £4,000 first prize.
He received a standing ovation from the packed crowd who, despite the challenging weather conditions, bravely watched as the final horse competed in the main ring overlooked by the castle.
The nine-year-old son of Ramiro B has been aimed at this class following a win at Burgham last month.
And he has the enviable record of a third Blair win in a row after leading last year’s long format 3* and the 2* in 2022.
Following in the footsteps of Aunt Frances
Will’s aunt, Frances Hay-Smith, had won the first ever long-format 2* eventing competition at Blair in 1989.
With only a 0.4 penalty lead, the pressure was on.
But Wills skilfully rode Mile Beach to jump a foot perfect clear to take the win.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Wills, who came to Blair Castle in 10th place in the World eventing ranking list. “I won two classes here last year and it’s amazing to do it again.
“It’s a massive achievement for the whole team, both here and at home.”
A strong field of many Olympic riders contested the 4* short format, with many horses entered for Burghley 5* in a fortnight’s time.
The winner was Caroline Powell, with her Badminton champion Greenacres Special Cavalier.
Team GB rider Piggy March was runner-up, with Brookfield Future News.
This year, after 35 years, marked the last of the horse trials at Blair Castle due to its change of direction and environmental aims.
It was announced during the event that Scone Palace will hold a similar event next August, with further details to be confirmed.
Conversation