The LeMieux Puissance provided a fitting conclusion to the opening day of the Show with 11 combinations taking on the challenge. The famous red wall was raised to 2.15m in the fifth round, a height that could only be cleared by Guy Williams riding Mr Blue Sky UK and Joseph Trunkfield with Cruze - both striking greys. Williams has an exceptional Puissance record at The London International Horse Show with his partner, Mr Blue Sky UK, and made it back-to-back wins in this class following last year’s victory.

The London International Horse Show debutante said: It’s unbelievable. Watching these classes as a kid it was Guy winning back then and being on the podium with him now is fantastic, a dream come true. I arrived here earlier and really felt the pressure of being at such a big show, but as riders we like a big occasion – it makes us want to win more. I knew the horse could do it, I had confidence in that, but this is a massive night for me, it’s fantastic. The crowd absolutely make it – the lap of honour, seeing all the kids and the Christmas spirit, there’s nothing like it.”

Williams added: "He jumps the wall very well and actually his hardest rounds are the first couple as he’s a little bit spooky. It’s a great class to win, so it’s the perfect start to the week. The crowd were amazing, they really understand the sport and they love it.”

Source: The London International Horse Show

Photo: © The London International Horse Show