“I’VE been attempting to do that for 20-odd years,” said Woking showjumper James Emblen after taking top honours in The Astore & Sons 1.35m Open Championship at the International Arena, Hickstead.

“I’ve had some seconds and some thirds in there, but it’s special to finally get the win – it’s an amazing feeling.”

His victory came courtesy of Carl 61, who he began riding in 2021.

The pair were one of just two combinations to deliver a clear round. 

Though they were one of the early partnerships in the ring and did not have a chance to gain much intel about how the course was riding, Emblen had a robust plan of action thanks to some sage help from Irish showjumper Mark Dorgan.

Emblen said: “I was guided well. Mark is a regular here, and I walked the course with him.

“I was early in the class, so I wanted to put a clear in and then see what happened.

“But I wasn’t overly quick, so I was a little bit worried, because I felt there was some time in there I could have taken off. But luck had it, and it was my day.” 

The difference came from a positive bit of riding from the double to fence nine, where Dorgan impressed upon him the key would be to keep riding to it, rather than taking a careful, conservative approach. 

“He told me to be positive before and after the fences, and I think that’s what clinched it,” said Emblen.

Though his partnership with Carl 61 is coming to an end, as the gelding’s owner is putting him on the market, Emblen has enjoyed his time with the 15-year-old son of Count Grannus. 

“I’ve had him for two years, and he’d had some time off before that through no fault of his own,” said Emblen.

“He’s an interesting character – but he’s been amazing for me. 

“He’s taken me to bigger classes, and he’s got a heart of gold. 

“He can be a little bit sensitive to noises and sudden movements, but in the ring, he absolutely loves it. We’ve had an amazing time together.”