Oct, 2022
Breen claimed his first win in the HOYS’ feature class, steering the 10-year-old stallion Cuick Star Kervec to a thrilling victory in the three-star 1m60 Grand Prix. He pipped John Whitaker, who almost marked 50 years of competing at the show with a third leading showjumper triumph, by 19 hundredths of a second. John clocked 34.80 seconds, while his nephew Jack Whitaker finished third.
Breen, though, was not to be denied. His HOYS triumph came less than four months after he achieved another career-first by winning the iconic Hickstead Derby.
Shane was quick to salute a horse he bought as a yearling after claiming the top prize of £15,700.
“To win the Derby was something I had been trying to do for a while, and tonight was also very special,” he said.
“The Irish have had a great show – Jessica Burke [who recorded three HOYS wins] was incredible. We all love coming here, the atmosphere is second to none. It was only the third Grand Prix of Cuick Star Kervec’s life, and to win here at Horse of the Year Show is a great achievement. He has an amazing stride, his scope is incredible. I have never ridden a horse with that much scope in my life. I’ve always thought he is going to be a superstar, and I think this is the first step of many big steps.”
Shane also paid tribute to his friend and rival, 67-year-old John, adding: “He is a legend of the sport, and I knew he was in it to win it tonight. He is an inspiration. He is certainly not thinking of retiring, and he is such an incredible rider and sportsman – a real ambassador for the sport.”
Meanwhile RED MILLS Customer had a fantastic week picking up two wins and a runner up spot!
Harriet Biddick also had a successful week – inlcuding 3rd place in the speed class.
Trevor Breen and Jicarla T also had two impressive placing with a 6th in the accumulator and 3rd in Speed Horse of the year.
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