15-year-old wins Senior Foxhunter Championship at HOYS

Photo:1st Cass Images

Oliver Tuff has made history at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to win the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship at the age of 15.

‘Phenomenal’

Oliver’s performance belied his young years, and he confidently rode Darino B to victory in the jump-off. There were plenty of experienced campaigners left in his wake, with second place going to Lucy Townley (Billy Tennessee) and Louise Saywell in third (Cardino Z).

“It is phenomenal, I can’t believe it,” he said. “The horse was fantastic. I knew he would be quick everywhere in the jump-off, and when he qualified for Horse of the Year Show everyone gasped at his performance.

“I was fairly confident because I knew the horse was quick, careful and brave, and that he might just do it. It’s amazing.

‘Get to the top’

Oliver first rode at HOYS in 2015 when he competed in a pony class. He has since moved on to horses, which he says has “really paid off”.

“All I want is to get to the very top, it’s all you can wish for,” he said. “I have some good owners, and hopefully I can get a few more.”

The Senior Foxhunter Championship was launched in 1954, and it’s the class every showjumper – young and old – dreams of winning. Previous winners include David Broome, Harvey Smith, Nick Skelton and John Whitaker.

You can watch HOYS on Horse & Country as we are showing daily highlights at 7pm – just hours after the live event. Tonight’s programme features the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship and Pony Club Mounted Games.

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