Matt Sampson and Michael Pender soared the heights to share victory in an unforgettable Puissance at the TheraPlateUK Liverpool International Horse Show on Sunday night. Yorkshireman Matt and Irish challenger Michael shared the top prize after they both jumped 2.20 metres (7ft 3in) to clear the famous red wall in a class sponsored by Equitop GLME. And for Matt, it was a remarkable result, given that he only knew about his ride – Top Dollar VI – barely 30 minutes before the start after its regular rider Laura Renwick rang and offered him the ride. Eleven combinations began the class – it could run for a maximum of five rounds – but the final drama was enacted by Matt and Michael, with his 2018 Dublin Horse Show Puissance title winner Hearton du Bois Halleux. And they both delivered the goods, sending a capacity crowd wild at the Echo Arena and bringing an end to day three of the show that no-one could have scripted.
Matt Sampson and Michael Pender soared the heights to share victory in an unforgettable Puissance at the TheraPlateUK Liverpool International Horse Show on Sunday night. Yorkshireman Matt and Irish challenger Michael shared the top prize after they both jumped 2.20 metres (7ft 3in) to clear the famous red wall in a class sponsored by Equitop GLME. And for Matt, it was a remarkable result, given that he only knew about his ride – Top Dollar VI – barely 30 minutes before the start after its regular rider Laura Renwick rang and offered him the ride. Eleven combinations began the class – it could run for a maximum of five rounds – but the final drama was enacted by Matt and Michael, with his 2018 Dublin Horse Show Puissance title winner Hearton du Bois Halleux. And they both delivered the goods, sending a capacity crowd wild at the Echo Arena and bringing an end to day three of the show that no-one could have scripted.