Following Tom Grant & Penhills Optimax at Blenheim Horse Trials
A few weeks ago we shared our delight that our sponsored rider Tom Grant, had qualified for the prestigious Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials with Penhills Optimax which took place 16th - 20th September 2021. Here's how they got on....
From the beginning of the season the plan had been to qualify Penhills Optimax (stable name: Max) in the 8&9 year old 4* class at Blenheim. Given the horse’s relatively little experience, this was an ambitious aim. In Tom’s words " to achieve this was a win in itself".
Tom reported that their "dressage test didn’t quite go to plan", with the electric atmosphere proving a little too much for Max, but there was some really promising work shown and huge potential. They jumped clear with ease over a technical show jumping track where Max showed all his scope and talent. The 3800m Cross Country track with 20 obstacles but 34 jumping efforts was set to be a challenging course. However, Max and Tom completed the course with ease, climbing an impressive 29 places from his position after dressage. The quality of the horses and riders in Tom’s section was impressive and so to finish 21st in that company was a dream ending to a fabulous season.
Both Sandersons UK and our managing director are proud supporters of Tom. We are all delighted to support such a young and exceptionally talented rider. The incredible hard work that Tom puts into his whole yard and business inspires us all. He has a very bright future which we are all proud to be a part of.
Tom has a fantastic team of trainers supporting him, an equine physiotherapist and grooms taking wonderful care of his horses to enable them to perform at their best. Max is just about to be turned out for a well earned rest and we look forward to following his exciting journey next season.
One of Tom’s other horses, Tommy Cruise (stable name: Pinkie) is competing this weekend in the 7yr old young horse championship at the Osberton International Horse Trials. Tommy Cruise is owned by a syndicate group with both private owners and corporate owners including the Mynde Park Estate, Mark Scott Arenas, The Stevenson Bros rocking horses and Sandersons UK. We wish Tom & Pinkie the very best of luck.
