ONE TWO MANY NJ (Coco)
Coco is owned by Gerry & Mary Kemp and is a firm favourite with Bill. He is a 16.2hh, bay, 10 year old gelding, by Chacoa, who is by the top show jumping stallion Contender – he came as a 4 year old fresh from Ireland via Vere Philips.
Coco is extremely talented and has always found everything effortless. He is a pleasure to ride, although when fresh he can be a bit of a boyo. He is no trouble to do, but is a misery in his stable, very focused on his own space, and no one getting in to it with him. He also has the longest tongue ever seen in a horse!
He answered all of the questions asked of him in 2009, finishing that season with a 2nd at the Novice Championships at Gatcombe. He also had a great 2010 season, finishing 10th at Houghton CCI** with a lovely double clear.
He made the step up to advanced during the summer and was competitive from the word go – being in the lead at Gatcombe in the Intermediate Championships before withdrawing as he headed the following week to Hartpury for a CIC*** qualification where he was in the lead against a world class field again after the first two phases. Bill then took him quietly as it was his first CIC*** but he still finished a credible 7th. He ended the year with a 6th place in the 8/9 year old championships at Blenheim with a lovely double clear.
Coco’s aim for the Spring of 2011 was a CCI***, and he lived up to all our hopes at Saumur finishing 2nd to fellow Aussie Clayton by less than a penalty point! He now has an Olympic qualification! He then won the CIC*** at Hartpury, leading from the front. Sadly things didn’t quite go to plan at Blenheim in the CCI***; a below par dressage and unusual glance off cross country left them down the placings.
Coco is on the Australian Elite Squad and so, like Hipp, remains in contention for the Olympics 2012, however his focus for the spring of 2012 is all about his first four star with the aim of Badminton.
