The Martin Collins Enterprises Christmas Snowflake Stakes saw seven combinations go through to the jump-off, including four from Great Britain. First to take their chance against the clock was Jodie Hall McAteer, fresh from an exceptional third place in The Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM. With some of the fastest riders in the world to follow, she knew she needed to set a fast pace however accrued four faults, leaving the door ajar for the remainder of the field.
Marcus Ehning, already a winner at The London International Horse Show this year, showed why he is one of the best in the world, setting the target to beat by jumping clear in a time of 33.18 aboard Calanda (Calido I), however his lead was short-lived as another former World No. 1, Steve Guerdat, managed to better Ehning’s time by 0.51 seconds.
The lead changed once again, as Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca put on a masterful performance with the 9-year-old Dirka de Blondel (Very Berlin de Castel), taking the tightest lines and, with a gallop to the final Martin Collins Enterprises fence, posted a time of 31.51 seconds – over a second ahead of Guerdat with Is-Minka (Mylord Carthago). As last to go, Britain’s William Funnell also gave it his best shot but his time was only good enough for fifth.
A delighted de Luca said: “She [Dirka de Blondel] is amazing, every time she goes in the ring she really gives her best. Yesterday I had the last fence down, but she was still the fastest, today she deserves this win in front of this incredible crowd. The atmosphere here in the ExCeL for the London International Horse Show is amazing, thank you to everyone. The riders always look forward to coming to this show so thank you to the amazing crowd – it really is fantastic."