British rider Guy Williams on Golddigger pulled off a thrilling victory in the Levy Restaurants Snowman Stakes at Olympia, the London International Horse Show. Riders were drawn in seven groups, with the fastest clear in each going through to a jump-off. With the suspense building, it took until the last group to produce a British representative in the jump-off, and the crowd erupted into loud cheers as Guy conjured a bold clear in 58.79 seconds, the second fastest of the competition, from the willing Golddigger. Austrian rider Max Kuhner set the standard with a cool clear in 34.32 on Cornet Kalua. He was quickly overtaken by German Olympic gold medallist Marcus Ehning on Hendrik, who in turn was beaten by the speedy Swede Peder Fredericson on H & M Sibon. There was huge expectation as Guy entered the arena, and he didn’t disappoint, the 16-year-old Golddigger taking strides out and producing huge leaps on angles. Only German Hans-Dieter Dreher on Callisto, the fastest in the first round, could have beaten Guy, but, to gasps, the white-faced bay gelding put in a sharp stop when asked to make a tight turn. “He’s difficult to ride indoors because he’s got such a massive stride,” explained Guy, “but he’s such a good horse and will do anything for you.” The stallion has represented Ireland, Spain and Saudi Arabia with previous riders but is now in France with Guy, who stands him at stud – he has sired 10 foals this year. “Maybe we’ll retire together,” joked Guy, who rides Titus in the Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier on Sunday afternoon and hasn’t ruled out a tilt at the Rio Olympics next year.
