Little Murka’s Harry Charles, 10, jumped the sole double clear at the Weston Lawns (5-6 June) Horse of the Year Show 128cm qualifier to claim the top ticket to the final with Doune.

A strong field of 57 riders had travelled from all over the country to contest the three places available from the Warwickshire venue, but only 11 managed to remain clear to go forward to the first jump-off. Harry was drawn fourth to go on his 14-year-old mare and went clear after the first three had faulted. Any more clears would have meant a second jump-off to decide the winner, however, none was able to match Harry’s performance.

“The others were having trouble at the water and the middle part of the combination,” said Harry. “The course was quite technical.”

Harry was thrilled with his win, which was made all the more special as this was his first attempt at a Horse of the Year Show qualifier.

“It’s an amazing achievement for me,” he said.

Harry’s father Peter Charles, the principal rider for Team Murka, was away competing on the British Meydan Nations Cup team in St Gallen, Switzerland. To ensure Harry got to the show, family friend and show jumper Eleni Murphy stepped in.

“Eleni was great,” said Harry. “She helped me out a lot.”

Harry will now concentrate on working Doune towards competing at the final, held at the LG Arena at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in October. He also has three other ponies at home, so will be out and about on the national circuit with them during the summer months.

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