Over the past two months, TW Stables headed back at their favourite spot in the sun for two months – the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera.
Miss Aragona PS and Will Whitaker have been jumping from strength to strength, and this tour was just another opportunity for them to showcase the partnership that they have formed. During Week 2, they warmed up in the 2* 1.35 with an easy clear that landed them in the money, setting them up perfectly for 2nd in the 2* 1.40. They ended their first week just out of the top ten, landing in 11th in the 2* 1.45. Their good form continued over the next couple of weeks, finding themselves in the money in the 4* Ranking class, finishing in 9th in the 4* Small Grand Prix as well as claiming 9th in the 4* 1.45. We are so excited to see what else this mare will do this year under the excellent tutelage of Will – watch this space!
TW Stables was also excited to have the newest team member on tour – Nicole Lockhead Anderson! Quick off the blocks the first week, Nicole and Spice Girl TW won the 4* 1.30, whilst all the young horses recorded clear rounds all week. Dialino and Chagoss PS didn’t touch a pole all week in the 5-year-olds, with Chagoss PS finish 5th in the final. Vivant’s Penny PS picked up an 8th place in the 6-year-olds whilst Pikachu TW was clear all week in the 7-year-olds. Diatenconia PS jumped a flawless round in the 7-year-olds to set her up for a 5th placing the next day in the age classes – a very promising start to the tour!
All the horses learnt so much over the weeks under Nicole, racking up a countless clear round tally. The young horses kept up the top results during week two, with Chagoss PS picked up a 7th place in the 5-year-olds whilst Diatenconia PS claimed 5th in the 6-year-olds. Spice Girl TW also found hereself in the money again in a very competitive 4* 1.30 class. Her good form continued into the third week where she cinched 5th in the 4* 1.30 class to take home more winnings. Chaccoon’s Nevo PS landed on the podium with 3rd in the 5-year-old Farewell class, whilst Pikachu TW was in the money in the 7-year-old Farewell class.
Scott also flew the TW flag in the 5 and 6-year-old classes. He and Quanthargos PS recorded a flawless week during week one, not touching a pole in the 5-year-old classes, with Come Nina PS also jumping some beautiful rounds in the 6-year-old classes. Chac Boy’s Centura PS was not only clear in the 5-year-olds during the first week, but picked up 5th place in the qualifier and 8th in the final – a spectacular start to the tour.
Week two and three saw even more success for Scott and his horses, with Quanthargos PS adding more clear rounds and winnings to his CV. Come Nina PS stayed consistent and clear in the 6-year-olds, with Chac Boy’s Centura PS was also clear and finished 4th in the 6-year-old final during week two and finished in bronze position in the 6-year-old Farewell class in week three to come 3rd . Diarune PS recorded a 9th placing in the 5-year-olds whilst Balouthago was clear in the 1.10 classes.
After a well-deserved week off in the fourth week, the horses were came back well-rested and back in top form. Pikachu TW and Nicole became very familiar with the winner’s circle in week 5, coming 3rd in the 7-year-olds the first day and proving to be best in the class to win the age class the next day – the first of what we sure will be many wins in this special mare’s career. Casago Du Rouet PS was clear all week, whilst Diatenconia PS also claimed two 5th placings in the 7-year-olds. The younger horses recorded more clear rounds, with Chagoss PS finishing in 9th in the 5-year-old final and Vivant’s Penny PS landing in 11th in the 6-year-olds. Spice Girl TW remained competitive in the 4* classes, coming 4th in the 1.30 and then finished in silver position in the 1.35 – this partnership finishing their tour on a high.
Scott saw similar success with his horses, with Quanthargos PS posting another faultless week and picking up 12th place in the 5-year-olds. Come Nina PS was also clear all week in the 6-year-olds and finished 8th in the final, whilst Chac Boy’s Centura PS finished 5th in the 6-year-old final after jumping clear rounds all week.
Clear round after clear round was jumped in week 6, with Nicole piloting the young horses to some more great results. Pikachu TW kept up her top form to finish just off the podium to come 4th in the 7-year-olds. Diatenconia PS finished in 11th in the 7-year-olds with Vivant’s Penny PS came 13th in the 6-year-olds. Chagoss PS and Casago Du Rouet also jumped some foot perfect clear rounds all week. Quanthargos PS and Scott were clear in the 5-year-old final whilst Come Nina PS and Chac Boy’s Centura PS jumped more clear rounds in the 6-year-old classes with Chac Boy’s Centura PS picking up a 6th placing.
Vivant’s Penny PS and Nicole finished on a high in week 7, jumping a flawless clear in the 6-year-olds. Scott and Chac Boy’s Centura PS landed in the money in the 6-year-old final, but it was Quanthargos PS who took the cake, finishing in 4th in the fast and competitive 5-year-old final – a super finish to this gelding’s tour whilst showcasing his talent and scope.
Not only were we super proud of all our horses who impressed us over the past two months, but we are also thrilled to have seen our very own Jess Williams back in the international ring. Jumping some phenomenal rounds in the 5-year-olds on Diarune PS, this partnership even picked up some winnings!
A huge thanks to our whole team of riders and grooms for their tireless work over the past eight weeks; none of these results would be achievable without you! We would also like to thank Sunshine Tour for yet another unforgettable tour we won’t forget – we already can’t wait to be back next year!
