Pretend bosoms, a ‘Portugeese’ and a hobby-horse lap of honour: the madly sensible London fancy gown returns

Dick Whittington and his cat triumphed in a speedy showjumping class on the London Worldwide Horse Present this night, beating stiff competitors from the Ugly Sisters, Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Within the return of the legendary fancy gown class, Dick aka Harry Charles, and “Cat Sampson”, could or could not have jumped the pairs relay quicker than anybody else. The foundations began easy – quickest time, with two seconds added per pole down – however then marks out of 10 from every of the three judges, Pippa Funnell, Rory Bremner and Father Christmas himself, have been deducted from the overall time.

The group cheered as Cinderella (a closely made up Joe Stockdale in a floaty blue quantity) and her Prince Charming Jodie Corridor McAteer have been adopted by Ugly Sisters John and Robert Whitaker, each sporting big fetching pink wigs and Robert’s gown that includes a pair of palms clasping his bosom.

Having jumped, Robert returned to the judges’ desk, stole the paddle they’d have used to grant a ten and galloped spherical the sector brandishing it, however the judges weren’t for turning.

“It didn’t take lengthy to get me wanting like an Ugly Sister,” quipped John.

Gemma Stevens as Captain Hook sported some luxurious moustachios, Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra as Mom Goose (“He’s a Portugeese!” Pippa corrected) could have had no concept concerning the character he was portraying however took on the problem with alacrity and Tim Gredley sparked calls of a repair when he misplaced his stirrup simply as Blame it on the Boogie reached the road “I simply can’t management my ft”.

Then as Matt and Harry have been attributable to are available in as final pair, their rivals, additionally together with eventers Austin O’Connor, Laura Collett, Shane Breen, Lily Attwood and Shane Breen, stormed the sector, placing jumps up and working riot, one Ugly Sister falling on her face when chased by Dick Whittington’s cat.

However Harry and Matt rose to the event and have been declared victors, setting straight off on an impromptu lap of honour to the cheering crowd’s delight.

“I’ve had a tough week so to finish the present on a excessive like this with my good mate – you don’t get this at every other present on this planet,” Harry mentioned, as all of the riders returned for a prizegiving mounted solely on interest horses. “It’s so good to have a little bit of enjoyable and thanks to the group. That is the very best present on this planet.”

Matt agreed: “That is simply superb. Everyone loves it, it brings all people collectively – and we received the possibility to beat a few of the finest eventers on this planet and present them they should practise their showjumping! Thanks everybody for coming; it’s the very best present on this planet, and the very best crowd on this planet.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by to worldwide championships.