By Joy Ringrose
Local rider Billy Raymont has beaten Australia’s best by winning the biggest showjumping class at Australia’s biggest agricultural show, the Sydney Royal Show’s Grand Prix.
In the two-round competition, Billy pulled a rail in the first round, coming home with four faults. After this less-than-exciting start, Billly blitzed the field in the second round, against the clock, scorching home ahead of his nearest rival, Olympian Jamie Kermond riding Yandoo Oaks Constellation Conquistador.
Billy was riding the South Australian horse, Anton. Billy has been competing this beautiful, 14-year-old, bay gelding for three years. Initially a spooky horse, Anton was afraid of water and solid walls. Billy’s accurate and careful riding has built Anton’s confidence during their time together. A very talented jumper, Anton is also very fast and flexible, so he is able to take inside lines that opponent horses are unable to negotiate.
Billy and Anton were runner’s-up in last year’s Pacific League World Cup Showjumping Championships, after leading the field for most of the second half of the year. They are a combination to watch for this year’s showjumping competitions.
