Jalapeño III finished fourth in the CCI4*L class at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials last weekend under Gemma Tattersall after a four-month absence from the competition scene.
The 13-year-old mare fractured a splint bone while stabled at Houghton Hall Horse Trials in May, where she had been competing in an open intermediate class.
“I’m so proud of that little mare,” said Gemma. “It was a tiny injury but she had to have time off to fix it and she’s since been swimming and treadmilling loads and loads.
“I’ve hardly been to the gallops so I was very scared, but it worked; she was pretty much foot-perfect [at Blenheim] and gave me the most wonderful ride.”
As the highest placed mare in the class, Jalapeno III’s owners Chris and Lisa Stone received a Mares’ Prize of £850 vouchers from the Gemini Stud, which can be used for stallion services within the next three years.
The chestnut mare, who is a daughter of 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning, completed on her dressage score of 28.7.
“She winged the first three cross-country fences and that set the tone for the whole round,” explained Gemma. “She was so smooth.”
First place in the CCI4*L class went to rising star Yasmin Ingham, who also finished on her dressage score.
‘They are my children’
Caroline Harris riding Miss Pepperpot
The second Mares’ Prize, another £850 voucher for the Gemini Stud, went to Becky Stones’ Miss Pepperpot, who came third in the CCI4*S under Caroline Harris.
The mare is by showjumping stallion Peppermill, a British medallist and Olympic ride for John Whitaker.
“I have four eventers I bred myself, all with Caroline, and watching them is beyond satisfying,” said Becky, who manages Ridgeway Stud.
“It’s nerve-wracking — they are my children — but to see a little piece of Peppermill going round is just wonderful.”
The CCI4*S class was won by Nicola Wilson on Coolparks Sarco, who also finished in fourth with Hawk Eye.
Top image: Gemma Tattersall riding Jalapeno III. Pictures supplied by The Jockey Club
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