Lisa Cubitt set the record straight this evening when she won the Ultra Mox Lady Rider of the Year crown aboard a horse she has only been riding for around six weeks. The last time Cubitt (nee Coupe) – won the title was in 2015, but she’d gone close so many times before. Today, she headed home a classy 11-strong second round from a highly competitive 30-strong field. There were six clear rounds, with five four-faulters also coming back for the second round. It was a very emotional Cubitt who received the Merrylegs Cup from four-time Lady Rider winner Merran Hain, who was celebrating her birthday today – 50 years from when Hain first took the trophy. Today Cubitt picked up four early faults in the second round aboard the big grey Matawai Sentana (owned by Jacqui Wright). “I am overwhelmed and quite emotional,” said Cubitt. “The horse has stepped up in the six weeks we have had him – it is quite phenomenal; this is just our fourth show together. This win is just unreal.” Cubitt thanks her wider team for their support. “I didn’t come into the class thinking I would win. He is a bit of a quirky horse, and you have to play his game a bit.” Plenty had gone into ensuring he would be calm and relaxed at HOY, and she was chuffed it had paid dividends. The combination will now line up in the Olympic Cup on Sunday, and Cubitt says she will be happy with a solid round from the big gelding. Results – Lisa Cubitt, Matawai Sentana 1, Kimberley Bird, Cera Cassina 2, Tegan Fitzsimon, Double J Monarch 3, Emily Hayward, Belischi HM 4, Steffi Whittaker, Eros K 5, Alexa Randall, LC Tango 6.