Innholdsfortegnelse for 24-May-2018 i Horse & Hound

THERE’S always one to steal the show at a royal wedding — Pippa Middleton for example at her sister’s nuptials. For many of us at Horse & Hound glued to the ceremony in Windsor last Saturday, the showstopper this time wasn’t mainstream media favourite Bishop Michael Curry — though love is undoubtedly the way — but the rider who sat quietly on the most excited Windsor grey leading the procession. How long the walk — sometimes canter — must have felt, and how sore that rider’s core and shoulders must have been. With the eyes of the world watching, they maintained poise and horsemanship, sitting quietly and leaving the curb rein well alone. As was repeated over the weekend, Britain does do ceremony better than any other nation. I would…

POLO’S governing body has stood firm on its new helmet rules following a high-profile dispute. Several members of the Valiente team, including world number one Adolfo Cambiaso, wore helmets that had not been approved to an appropriate standard during a match on 12 May at Royal Berkshire Polo Club. The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) brought in mandatory hat standards for all matches in Britain on 1 January 2018, which follow the same regulations as the British Horseracing Authority. Helmets approved for polo include PAS015:1998 or PAS015:2011 with CE mark, SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015 and any newer version of the same standard, including EN1384:2017. Cambiaso raised concerns that the new helmets had not been tested in play and the Argentine Polo Players Association wrote to the HPA…

INTERNATIONAL rules covering cases of blood and whip use in eventing could be strengthened and redefined respectively, it has been announced. The FEI is working on changing its rules following controversy surrounding US eventer Marilyn Little, whose ride RF Scandalous was pictured with blood in her mouth on the cross-country at the Kentucky Three-Day Event (28 April), and British rider Oliver Townend, who was given an official warning for overuse of the whip on cross-country day at Badminton Horse Trials the following week (5 May). An FEI spokesman said: “The FEI eventing committee is currently working on proposals to strengthen the eventing rules regarding blood on the horse and a redefinition of the whip action allowed during competition, with the express purpose of providing clarity for athletes, officials and everyone…

DRIVERS A Porsche dealership is sponsoring one of the British Showjumping national championships arenas, which is great. It also means every winner gets a free Porsche* (*this bit isn’t actually true, btw, but it’s still good news). FILM FANS To mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Notting Hill, fans can win a tour of the area, a stay at the Ritz and tea prepared by actor and former H&H reporter Hugh Grant. We’re slightly confused by the whole 20-year thing as the film was released in 1999 but still. Details, details. SPECIALISTS Gemma Tattersall’s Chilli Morning youngsters, full brothers, look so similar, owner ERM boss Chris Stone did not realise he was looking at the wrong horse. But as a friend pointed out, train one in dressage, one…

ANYONE who has horses will know that there are never enough hours in the day. Trying to fit in jobs, families and a social life around horses requires military-style planning, with extra time needing to be factored in for errant equines and becoming presentable for non-horsey society. So Pointers Equine & Country founders Emma Grellis and Emily Purvis set up The Muddy Nail Bar at their Forest Green equestrian boutique in Surrey, to help equestrians with Cinderella transformations. No more apologising for your eau de horse and goodbye to surreptitiously pulling stray bits of hay out of your hair, all is welcome here. Clients even sit on a specially designed saddle stool — created by Emily — while their hands are treated. “We decided to offer my nail technician skills…

Sir — With reference to your veterans feature (10 May), while appreciating the need to care for older horses in our ownership, ultimately it is our responsibility to ensure a kind end to their lives. How can any elderly equine, who has enjoyed shelter from the elements while useful to their owners, be comfortable living out in a muddy field over the winter? With the added discomfort of poor dentition and arthritis, I am saddened that owners seem unable to do the kindest thing and euthanise these horses. Anthropomorphism seems to prevail, delaying the inevitable decision, and it seems to me that the only people who benefit from all of this are the retirement homes. Annabel Ross Buckfastleigh, Devon The writer of letter of the week wins a bottle of…

‘Riding was the one time I felt like me. I was tired and worried that I’d fall in a heap, but it was so nice to be out competing’ SAMMI BIRCH had every reason to look forward to a six-week Christmas holiday in Australia but, less than 10 days in, she was flying back to England to begin treatment for breast cancer at the Royal Marsden. She had breezily agreed with her mother, Jude, to a precautionary MRI scan — her sister, Emma, was diagnosed with the disease last year. And after a tense weekend, biopsies confirmed the horrifying news. “I thought the odds must surely be against two of us having it at the same time, so it was a huge shock,” admits Sammi. As she puts it, “all…

1 Bad temperament. “Cobs are strong types and have a lot of power — they can really use themselves and could hurt someone if they’re a bad sort,” warns Glenn Knipe. 2 Too much knee action. “Good movement is essential and too much knee action isn’t desirable in a show cob,” advises Michelle Jones. 3 Lack of front. “You should be able to sit in the middle of a cob and see a good front before you. They have to have it already — you can’t add length of rein,” says Camilla Neame. 4 Long cannon bones. “Quality cobs should have a short cannon and good, flat bone,” says Reid Finlay.…

WHAT is it about cobs that gives them their dependable reputation? Top show cob producer Lynn Russell explains. “You’ll always find cobs in riding schools because they are cold-blooded, weight-carrying, generally very quiet and put up with a lot,” she says. “Most cobs have a ‘can do’ attitude and can turn their hooves to a lot of things including dressage, jumping, workers and hunting. I ride all mine side-saddle, too. “Apart from having the head of a duchess and the bottom of a cook, cobs should also have relatively short cannon bones, and plenty of bone, which determines the amount of weight they’ll carry. “The best thing is that you can fine-tune a cob, put some high-octane fuel in him and make him a little pocket rocket if that’s what…

6.45am: on non-competition days, one of Laura’s staff (done on a rota system) feeds from the neat stack of Dodson & Horrell bags and NAF supplements. 7am: the other staff arrive and start to put horses on the walker or get them ready to be turned out. The mucking out is done, and whoever fed fills the haynets. Horses are given a haynet in the morning and one in the evening — a few get them at lunchtime as well. 7.30am: Laura aims to start riding. All the horses go on the walker before they are ridden and again after they have been washed off. Laura’s staff hack some of the horses and work on the yard until lunchtime. Afternoon: horses are skipped out and hayed, and those who haven’t…

MARK TODD CUT AWAY BRIDLE Has an ergonomically designed, padded headpiece to reduce pressure points, a curved browband and wide, padded noseband. £137.50 wefi.co.uk ALBION REVELATION COUTURE CROSS-COUNTRY SADDLE Offers the horse comfort and stability, and greater freedom of movement for shoulder, wither and back. POA albionengland.co.uk WOW SOFT H-GIRTH Dispersing pressure over the sternum, this girth promotes better movement in front, and keeps the saddle in place without over-tightening. £250 wowsaddles.com JEFFRIES GENTLE BRIDLE FEI legal and designed around the anatomical features of the horse’s head to minimise nerve irritation and pressure. From £408 ejeffries.co.uk PRESTIGE E125 SPORT BRIDLE The padded crown and nosepiece are anatomically shaped and made from perforated leather, which spreads the pressure and ensures comfort. £178…

ROCKINGHAM was run in blazing sunshine, and there were some withdrawals on Sunday after the ground became quite firm. FEI technical delegate Jonathan Clissold said: “Three weeks ago there was standing water everywhere. Lovely weather dried the ground out and baked it quite hard on top, although it was soft a few inches underneath. The whole site was slitted using a big tractor with flotation tyres [which spread the load to avoid compaction] two weeks ago, and this week and on Saturday night the showjumping, the whole of the cross-country course and the warm-up areas were aerovated. We’ve done everything we could.”…

CIC2* sec C.— 1, Castletown Clover (P French) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Master Ping (R Coney) 30.1,0,0=30.1; 3, Magic Roundabout IV (H Norvill) 32.9,0,0=32.9. sec D.— 1, Vitali (J Avery) 26.3,0,0.4=26.7; 2, Cooley Monsoon (P French) 23.7,4,0=27.7; 3, The Kincooley Ceili (S Birch) 28.5,0,0.4=28.9. CIC* sec A.— 1, Kinnordy Rhondo (T Tanaka) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, Hakuna Matata (H Woodhead) 25.2,0,0=25.2; 3, Feroza Nieuwmoed (R Kitajima) 25.8,0,0=25.8. sec B.— 1, Koko Doro (R Kitajima) 29.1,0,0=29.1; 2, Emerald Jonny (P French) 29.6,0,0=29.6; 3, Faere Spirit (L Andresen) 29.7,0,0=29.7. AI.— 1, Cooley Rorkes Drift (J Evans) 24.9,0,0=24.9; 2, Pencos Crown Jewel (R Canter) 25.3,0,0.4=25.7; 3, Slaney Cruise (K Hall-Jackson) 31.3,0,0=31.3. OI.— 1, Barrichello (A Bragg) 24.3,4,0=28.3; 2, Shannondale Percy (A Bragg) 27.5,0,0.8=28.3; 3, Last Secret (P Sims) 30,0,0.4=30.4. OIu21.— 1, Mexican Wave (B Upton) 25.9,0,5.2=31.1; 2,…

JESSICA CORSER celebrated her first win aboard Moangarriff Duke in the under-18 open novice at Aston-le-Walls (2). The 16-year-old teamed up with Duke, who was produced by Willa Newton, in January. “The cross-country didn’t quite go to plan as I was held after fence four for several minutes,” explained Jessica. “My watch kept running, so I had no idea of my time. I was surprised to come home with just two time-penalties.” Jessica is aiming for the under-18 championships at Frickley this summer. Last year she completed Barbury CIC2* with another horse, SS Blazer.…

MILLFIELD BE100open.— 1, San Solo (I Brook) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Zibor (S Rogers-Coltman) 28,0,0=28; 3, Killahurler Connect (J Rimmer) 28.5,0,0.4=28.9. BE100 sec I.— 1, Corville De Haar (T Forester-Bennett) 30.5,0,0=30.5; 2, Veronique (W Welch) 28.8,0,2=30.8; 3, Ajax H Z (P McCarthy) 30,1,0=31. sec J.— 1, Quarrycrest Illusion (V Tuffs) 23,0,0=23; 2, Beavers Extra Cool (P McCarthy) 25.3,0,0=25.3; 3, Max Mcinerney (V Tuffs) 27.8,0,0=27.8. sec K.— 1, Cutton Bentley (H Forty) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, Ruthstown Ricky (C Reardon) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, Total De Lux (C Harris) 27,0,0=27. BE90open.— 1, Lates Eclipse (C Harris) 30.3,2,0=32.3; 2, SES Hurricane (T Cheffings) 33.3,0,0=33.3; 3, Castleside Waylon (V Webbon) 34.3,0,0=34.3. BE100 sec A.— 1, Early Bird VI (F Rigby) 21,0,2.8=23.8; 2, My Little Smartie (R Medicott) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 3, Fintra Zebo (O Mitchell) 27.3,0,0=27.3. sec B.— 1, Rambo II…

12 May: prelim 17A (C Brady, J Allen).— 1, Inspiration Vande Hazahoeve (J Oakes) 71.2; 2, Jalados Star (H Millichamp) 71.03; 3, Bluesamui (N Parish) 70.26. nov 37A (M Robins, D Harvey).— 1, Favorit (K Monks) 72.22; 2, Gayuga (F Wicker-Miurin) 7-.55; 3, Deoniaeth Lanto (L Harrison) 69.63. elem 53 (J Head, E Pewter).— 1, Lobke Van Het Urnenveld (N Harrison) 73.6; 2, Deutz (P Gover) 71.47; 3, Show Dance (H Powel) 70.88. med 73 (L Waller, S Broom),— 1eq, Regal Hit (C Ashley) & C No Limit (T Knight) 71.32; 3, Westhills Watermark (E Holmes) 70.88. 13 May: prelim 19 (C Ballantine, M Robins).— 1, Holme Grove Lotus (S Rees) 73.22; 2, Jalados Star (H Millichamp) 70; 3, Hywell Aptomos (E Stanford-Roberts) 69.89. nov 39 (A Scott, E Pewter).—…

18 May: 3* GP (L Du Tranoy, M Ringmark, M Alonso de Quinzano, M Colliander, G Riexinger).— 1, Glock’s Dream Boy (H-P Minderhoud) NED 71.45; 2, Zephyr (A Cornelissen) NED 70.65; 3, Hyrano (J Devroe) BEL 68.63; 15, Erlentanz (S Murray-Brown) GBR 66.76; 26, Dark Legend (C Fry) GBR 63.89. 2* PSG (F Guerra Diaz, J Tuloup, A Fransen Iacobaeus, C Halsall, R Saleh).— 1, Scenario 2 (D Van Silfhout) NED 72.94; 2, Fleau De Baian (A Cornelissen) NED 72.91; 3, President’s First Apple (P Van Der Meer) NED 72.35; 22, Baldovino (F Bradley) GBR 66.44; 26, Eureko (R Moody) GBR 64.58; 28, Fendi T (C Fry) GBR 63.11. YR team (A Gardner, J Roudier, M Sanders Van Gansewinkel).— 1, FS Las Vegas (F Van Zwambagt) NED 71.22; 2, Fashion…

KEYSOE 9 May: prelim 15Q gold (D Morgan).— 1, Ivoor (H Gilbert) 70.2; 2, Indigo (T Hewlett) 63.2. brnz.— 1, Adlerfarn Z (M Bennett) 69.4; 2, Fables Fiderdance (S Hills) 67.8; 3, Millbrooks Cheeky Charlie (R Swanton) 64.8. prelim 19Q gold (J Allen).— 1, Rive Gauche (K Mayne) 72.71; 2, Ivoor 66.46; 3, Indigo (A Brown) 63.96. silv.— 1, Hawtins Donatella (L Carter) 63.33. brnz.— 1, Adlerfarn Z 68.33; 2, Gluckscharm (W Chapman) 63.13; 3, Millbrooks Cheeky Charlie 59.17. nov 22 gold (D Morgan).— 1, Dan Ivanhoe (N Barker) 70.17; 2, SJL Bacs Zorro (T Hewlett) 68.79; 3, Rive Gauche 67.76. silv.— 1, Hawtins Donatella 67.93; 2, Efigurante (L Waller) 65.52; 3, Gibantos (L Hatcher) 62.41. brnz.— 1, Al Biruni (C Tapp) 61.72; 2, Pernod II (A Dethlefsen) 60.34; 3,…

Tushingham Arena, Cheshire | Aintree EC, Merseyside | Cockshot Dressage, Cheshire Tracey Wright’s four-day trip to Aintree secured the 43 test overall with 71.38% and the 53 test bronze section with another plus-70% score. Her two wins were the culmination of a dressage camp at the venue with Mat Burnett, organised by Katie Amos. “I think if I’d just turned up at Aintree he’d have stage fright in that arena, but after three days in it he was very relaxed,” said Tracey. Next stop is the Area Festival at Kingswood. “He qualified last year but as a serial self-harmer he managed to time it perfectly so that I missed the show,” said Tracy. “It’s lucky I have a friend of the family who works at Hird & Partners [vet clinic],…

DUCHY COLLEGE 12 May: prelim 13Q gold.— 1, Giovanna (D Wilson) 67.5; 2, Sirkira (N Holland) 67.12. silv.— 1, Dolly Varden (J Mackenzie) 68.46; 2, Vinisauraus (J Mackenzie) 67.5; 3, Pavlovsk (A Ibbotson) 66.35. brnz.— 1, Willy Wonker (B Taylor) 67.31. prelim 17A Q gold.— 1, Sirkira 71.38; 2, Giovanna 64.83. silv.— 1, Vinisaurous 71.72; 2, Aughnakeeragh Danny (S Foster) 70; 3, Trewithian Baileys (S Axten). brnz.— 1, Willy Wonker 64.66. nov 27 gold.— 1, Rockoko (H Askey) 72.86. silv.— 1, Quito (K Lisk) 71.07; 2, Aughnakeeragh Danny 64.46; 3, Hilde K (J Bruce) 63.21 brnz.— 1, Molushill Alfred (C Rickarby) 67.86; 2, Woodgrove Jazz (R Wood) 66.96; 3, Liostro II (A Kirkwood) 65.71. nov 38Q gold.— 1, Rockoko 74.35. silv.— 1, Hilde K 69.52; 2, Quito 68.23; 3, Trewithian…

ALTHOUGH relatively inexperienced at this level, Mac Uwe certainly impressed when taking second place in the the Mattie Brown area trial for Louise Saywell. This Cayado eight-year-old was bought by Old Lodge two years ago at Holger Hetzel’s auction in Germany and Louise has been riding him for a year. Last October Mac Uwe finished second and best seven-year-old in the Talent Seekers final at Horse of the Year Show. “He’s stepping up really well,” said Louise. “He was seventh in his first area trial [BS Area 30] and this was only his second outing at that level. This was a careful course and there were plenty of inside lines. We tried some of the turns and kept moving over the open distances.”…

GOOD grooms who are willing to work and who really care about horses have become like unicorns. What has caused this worldwide shortage of grooms, across the disciplines? One factor is that competitions have popped up all over the world so one week horses need to be in Hong Kong, the next they need to be in Calgary. It’s impossible for one groom to be in all these places, so with the demanding show schedule of some top riders, there has been an ever-increasing demand for freelance grooms to help accommodate their horses’ needs as they follow the tours. They get paid a hefty daily rate, travel to many chic destinations, then don’t need to work a good part of the year so take some downtime. They have half the…

RIHS WHP (L Windsor, J Stephens) NS.— 1 & res, C Lanni’s Birkinbrook Arabella; 2, J Benbow’s Larchgrove Isabella; 3, A Kozersky-Gillham’s Roseberry Prince Charming. int.— 1, V Ringer’s Carnsdale Absolutely; 2, P King’s Shersheen Coverage; 3, E Gibbard’s Bounce Once. 153cm.— 1 & ch, L Simms’ Dunloughan; 2, S Church’s Binkgrove Ross; 3, K Mercer’s Carnsdale Banner Man. 143cm.— 1, V Ringer’s Noble Topcat; 2, A Hitcham’s Sellernane Lad; 3, L King’s Turloughrevagh Boy. 133cm.— 1, Birkinbrook Arabella; 2, S Stanley’s Killaughey Golden Cascade; 3, H Lee’s Annadale Miss Saigon. hunters amateur l’wt.— 1, S Altham’s Knockalla Silver Diamond; 2, H Johnsons’ Mein Rebel; 3, C Allen’s Glidawn Ruby. h’wt.— 1, C Ford’s Master Bandsman; 2, E Bletsoe-Brown’s Fortitude; 3, N McAllister’s Harley. coloureds (S Turner) plaited exc 153cm.—…

AN EMINENT VISITOR WELL-KNOWN Australian show producer and pony breeder Greg Gerry (above) visited the show during his two-week UK vacation. He was particularly impressed with Supreme Products’ intermediate victor Comberton Clarence. Greg produced the home-bred champion show pony Whitmere Palace Secret at Sydney Royal show this Easter. The six-year-old is the last filly out of Charlotte Dujardin’s former ride Ardenhall Royal Secret, who was recently put to sleep aged 31. Palace Secret was ridden by Ebonie Lee, younger sister of Stanley Grange resident rider Brynie Lee. CORNISH LINGO KATHRYN PITT’S prefix “Chycoose” means “house on the top of a hill” in Cornish. STOP THE SPOTS! FORGET the stage invasion during the Eurovision Song Contest the night before, judge Janet Bushell experienced a similar incident during the presentation of her…

BEING sidelined through injury gave me a new perspective on Royal Windsor’s supreme. It’s always interesting when you have judges from outside the discipline, but I think Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin were spot on — and, of course, Charlotte started her career as a show pony rider. Rob Walker’s lightweight hunter winner would have been my choice, too. This horse has everything you could ask for in a show horse, and full marks to the judges for recognising that. Walking into the ring with The Queen’s Barbers Shop to retire him officially was an emotional experience. It was when we loaded him to come home and I realised he was saying goodbye to showing and all that goes with it that it really got to me. He won’t be…

The Hai-Air Prince of Wales Trophy final, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Berks THE world’s eyes might have been firmly fixed on Windsor on Saturday, but six miles across the Berkshire countryside, polo royalty was out in force at the Royal County of Berkshire for the final of the Prince of Wales Trophy. With 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso playing at the back, it would have been a fair assumption that the long-time high-goal team Valiente had this final covered. But while they seemed to flounder on the immaculate ground, Monterosso, who had only narrowly reached the final after a penalty shoot-out against Emlor in the semis, soared around the pitch creating open play. “We didn’t expect to dominate like this — they’re a tough team and we had the best…

‘He happened to have a bag of Skittles, so he called him that ’ HOW JUST SKITTLES WAS NAMED Grafton, Edgcote, Northants RICHARD HARPER recorded his first training win between the flags for 13 years when Just Skittles stayed on dourly under Guy Sankey to take the open maiden. Richard, who trains at nearby King’s Sutton, has saddled five winners under Rules in the intervening years. However, the 10-year-old gelding’s four-length triumph over Tigers Eye (Philip Armson) was the first time the trainer had visited the winner’s enclosure on the point-to-point circuit since Cheeky Lad won at Barbury in April 2005. “I bought him off Richard Woollacott, bless his soul — we got him about four years ago,” said Richard. “He was broken in very late and Richard found…

ROGER BROWN described riding his first winner in the hunt members’ race on Welstonedruid as “a miracle”. The 49-year-old farmer, from nearby Mixbury, came home seven lengths clear of lone rival Come On Harriet (Jamie Brace), simultaneously getting Turweston trainer Karl Green off the mark. “It is a bit of a miracle,” said Roger, who was opening his account at the 19th attempt. “It is just such hard work and I have not had that many races in the past three years.” Roger bought Welstonedruid out of Robert Chanin’s yard after Karl spotted an advert on Facebook.…

CLEAN sport rules apply to all competitors from grassroots amateurs to elite Olympic level, is the warning from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). The body, which is responsible for protecting sport in the UK from doping, is urging each individual involved in equestrian sport at every level to learn how the relevant rules apply to themselves and their horses. The call comes as part of Clean Sport Week (21-27 May), a partnership campaign between UKAD and national governing bodies, including the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). “Clean sport is not just about elite athletes and sportspeople,” said a spokesman for UKAD. “People who take part in sport at all levels, including grassroots and amateur, need to understand the values of clean sport and the health risks of doping and using performance- and image-enhancing…

BALOU STAR The 13-year-old showjumping stallion has been returned to Britain’s Millie Allen, having been transferred to Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer in January. “We are very glad Balou Star will now return ‘home’ to Millie,” said owner Udo Oppermann. GRAND MANOEUVRE The 14-year-old has been retired from top-level competition due to soundness issues. Owned by Diana and David Chappell, “Milo” gave Laura Collett her first senior championship completion at the 2015 Europeans. The pair competed at Badminton in 2015 and 2016. BIG ORANGE Last year’s Ascot Gold Cup winner will not defend his title this year following an injury. The seven-year-old trained by Michael Bell has damaged his off-fore suspensory and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. MILLTHYME COROLLA Dutch eventer Andrew Heffernan has retired the 15-year-old…

LAMINITIS STUDY TO IMPROVE WELFARE SCIENTISTS behind a new study into laminitis hope to benefit equine welfare by improving communication with owners. The PhD study, supported by experts from the Royal Veterinary College and Anglia Ruskin University with feed company Spillers, will look into owners’ knowledge. It cover factors influencing managing and treating laminitis, as well as challenges in accessing good information and adopting preventative measures. The researchers hope to promote evidence-based methods of care as a result. • To take the survey, visit: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HoovesHH TELEVISION AWARD FOR THE NATIONAL ITV RACING has won a BAFTA for its coverage of the 2017 Grand National. The team took the sport prize at the awards on 13 May ahead of a strong shortlist, including the Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko fight and…

RECRUITMENT A stud owner looking for a groom was rather surprised by an application detailing experience in gymnastics, bar work and lifesaving. “At least if anyone falls in the water jump, we’re good to go,” one pal pointed out, while another added: “They can bring you a drink in the hot tub and save you if you go under — result!” Every cloud… KINGS OF THE ROAD Singing supremo Matt Sampson, who crooned his way to Bolesworth 2017, has upped his game, appearing on film singing to King of the Road with Joe Whitaker in a lorry ahead of the Hickstead Derby. Nice moves boys, although you won’t be Men of No Means if you lift that Boomerang trophy... BEING CALM Equestrians watching the procession after the royal wedding will…

EVEN the relatively gloomy UK climate can pose a threat to equine skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays affect horses in much the same way as they do humans, the only difference being that horses cannot develop any resistance by tanning — although hair does provide some protection. Overexposure to sun can leave horses with reddened, scaly skin or, in more severe cases, painful blisters that may ooze a fluid or serum. Should we stock up on sunscreens to protect sensitive skin? “Light-skinned horses and those with any areas of white, damaged or depigmented skin are at particular risk from sun damage, even on cloudy days when UV levels may still be high,” says Dr Philip Ivens from Buckingham Equine Vets. “Cover small areas such as the flesh between the nostrils with…

‘Teaching a horse a movement is like teaching them a new language, so keep it simple’ AIM THIS is an exercise I often use with my pupils as it makes sure the rider achieves the correct bend through the horse’s neck and body in shoulder-in and travers. These movements are the building blocks of the half-pass. It’s an exercise you can build up from walk, into trot and then, when the horse is confident, you can also do it in canter. For me, teaching a horse a movement is like teaching them a new language, so it’s important to keep it simple. By repeating the exercise a few times, the horse relaxes and starts to understand what is being asked. This is an excellent exercise for suppling older horses as…

Breeding: unknown Stable name: Blue Owner: Lady Caroline Tyrrell Rider: Allister Hood Major achievements: lightweight and overall cob of the year at HOYS 2017; cob champion and overall reserve supreme at Royal International 2017; cob champion and supreme horse at HOYS 2016; cob champion at the Royal International 2016; Classic supreme cob and Leeman supreme at the British Show Horse Association National Championships 2016; Classic supreme cob and Leeman reserve at the BSHA National Championships 2015; novice cob champion at the BSHA National Championships 2014.…

RHONEHURST HOUSE, UPPER LAMBOURN, BERKSHIRE, £3.5M Home to Oliver Sherwood’s successful training yard, Rhonehurst House is a magnificent Georgian country house with six bedrooms. It has extensive facilities, with 66 boxes set across three yards, plus tack, feed and wash rooms, an equine pool barn and a covered Monarch horse walker for six. Accommodation for staff is available in two two-bedroom cottages and a five-bedroom hostel. The land extends to about 18.6 acres of gardens and free-draining paddocks, with access to the Lambourn gallops directly from a track alongside the property (subject to approval). Oliver Sherwood would like to continue to rent the training yard from Rhonehurst’s new owners. Savills, 01635 277700, savills.com  Windsor Clive International, 01672 521155, windsorclive.co.uk GUYTHORPE, STAUNTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, £720,000 Guythorpe combines a semi-rural location…

Wiesbaden, Germany INGRID KLIMKE and SAP Hale Bob OLD (Bobby) came into the Event Rider Masters (ERM) at Wiesbaden as the red-hot favourites and didn’t disappoint, leading the 25-strong field from the outset to claim their first ERM victory. This marked a fourth straight international win for the combination, following on from their triumphs in the CICO3* at Aachen, the European Championships in Strzegom and the CIC2* in Kreuth. “The whole competition went the way I wished it to so I couldn’t be happier,” said the German rider. “He couldn’t have gone better and to get the win on home soil is really something special.” Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo, who were so successful in this series in 2016, occupied second place throughout the two days of competition, while Julia…

LLANYMYNECH (1) ON.— 1, Archfield Echo (H Bradshaw) 24.8,4,0=28.8; 2, Litchfield Foxtrot (R Gray) 33.3,0,0=33.3; 3, Headsnook Mischief (J Stokes) 31.8,4,0=35.8. ONu18.— 1, Carrera Van Het Bloemenhof (T Hemming) 23,0,0=23; 2, Lordanos Lover (S Wilson) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, Pipsqueak T (F Carr) 33.5,0,0=33.5. nov sec O.— 1, Spring Into Business (F Macdonald) 24.3,0,1.6=25.9; 2, Express Mail (C Clewlow) 23.3,4,0.8=28.1; 3, EMC Its Showtime (B Hartley) 24.3,4,0=28.3. sec P.— 1, PSH Surprise (L Joynson) 24.8,4,1.2=30; 2, Tradhearg Cool Joules (N Fox) 30.3,0,0.4=30.7; 3, Sand Storm II (J Haynes) 31.5,0,0.4=31.9. BE100open.— 1, PSH Mirror Image (L Joynson) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 2, Classic Spirit (S Brentnall) 29,0,2=31; 3, Chriss Lucky Nature (L Goodey) 32.3,0,0=32.3. BE100open u18.— 1, Annaghmore Gwenievere (M Goodridge) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 2, Toome Napoleon (C Sellers) 29,0,0=29; 3, Gingerbread IV (H Clarke) 27.8,4,0=31.8. BE100 sec…

Senior Inter-Regional, Keysoe, Beds SOME 31 teams went into battle from seven regions, but first place was fought out between the Southern region’s Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger teams, with the former emerging victorious. The winning foursome climbed from fourth overnight and was led by their captain Krystyna Monks, who triumphed individually at novice with the show’s top average score of 73.95% aboard Favorit. Krystyna has ridden a rollercoaster over the past six years, which has seen her undergo a seismic lifestyle change — from London life to being an equine Bowen and craniosacral therapist; from happy hacker to serious dressage enthusiast. “Being over 60, it is fantastic that dressage offers these opportunities for me. There was a great team spirit both within and between the regions. I have well and…

HARTPURY COLLEGE 12 May: elem 53Q silv (S Duffy).— 1, Baron E (D McCafferty) 62.5. brnz.— 1, Cobra De La Salm (V Loyer) 66.32; 2, Cockney Rebel (N Sleight) 65.29; 3, Pascal II (C Bichard) 64.11. med 75Q gold (S Duffy).— 1, Chadwick (C Stickland) 67.43; 2, Isleno XCV (M Rigg) 64.45. silv.— 1, Dolle Jung (S Sweet) 67.16; 2, Don Dinero (A Montague) 66.08 3, Pikador (A Foster) 60.81. brnz.— 1, Distraida (G Donaldson) 61.75. adv med 85 gold (C Mirylees).— 1, Brioso II (C Dujardin) 82.64 2, Gio (C Dujardin) 81.02; 3, Rayban (K Cowell) 75.29. silv.— 1, Lady Gaga II (J McConkey) 75.29; 2, Don Dinero 65.44; 3, Wellbeloved (N Rollings) 62.05. brnz.— 1, Windie (G Devereux) 57.35. adv med 92Q gold.— 1, Gio 80.81; 3, Ray-ban…

1.15m.— 1, Everfleur (L Robinson); 2, Stacenta (S Marsh); 3, Jolie Boy (L Appleyard). B&C.— 1, Flintstone De Ness (K Brennan); 2 Codean (V Lovegrove); 3, Emmet VDM (J Parkinson). 1.40m.— 1, Millfield Baloney (C Skelton); 2, Deangelo II (P Bevan); 3, Whisper In The Wind (M Watson). 1.30m.—1 & 3, Doriena & Calinka III (D Burnham); 2, Tyson Z (L Saywell). 1.25m.— 1, Muckno Princess (H Wainwright); 2, Coco Vittorio (P Bevan); 3, Victoria O (H Gowthorpe). Speedi-Beet grade C qualifier. — 1, Inglenook Eline (D Farnsworth); 2, Clear Lasina (C Jones); 3, Khaled OL (G Strutton). Mattie Brown area trial.— 1, Carnoneybridge Challenger (A Shields); 2, Mac Uwe (L Saywell); 3, Challenge (T Newman). accumulator.— 1, Wet Wet Wet (A Shields); 2, Feigtling (L Saywell); 3, Flow (J…

South Suffolk, Ampton Racecourse, Suffolk CERYS FORD scored a grand slam on home ground in the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) hunter section. She claimed the amateur, middleweight and ladies’ classes with Master Bandsman, then boosted her silverware collection with the hunter championship trophy. This set the trend on a day when amateurs also made their mark in cobs, show hunter ponies and show ponies. While a clash with Royal Windsor and Newark and Notts meant entry numbers suffered, standards were high. Cerys, who runs a PR company, is married to a farmer and has seven-year-old twins. She said her chestnut Bandmaster gelding, aka Perky, was the perfect horse for her. “I need so many strategies to fit showing in with work and family,” she said. “His warm-up was a…

White Rose County (BSPS Area 3B), Temple Newsum Park, Leeds THE day belonged to the home-produced partnership of Olivia Maltby and her 153cm mare Midtown Magic. It began when they toppled last year’s supreme champion, the Emmerson show team-produced 122cm Thistledown Arctic Monkey (Alice Binks) in the show hunter pony championship, which wasn’t without incident (see box, right). Then this third-season pair lifted the area members’ plaited supreme, prior to landing the best-in-show accolade under Gina Kobbe, who remarked: “She’s a proper hunter pony stamp who went even better in the final supreme. Their simple yet foot-perfect performance, with two gallops, made a lasting impression.” Ironically, Olivia, who is in her fifth season as a Team Emmerson stable jockey, beat another of their charges at the close of the show,…

• Look for the BETA NOPS logo on feed and supplements • Speak with your vet about withdrawal and detection times if your horse requires a controlled medication • Keep a detailed record of medication given in a diary • Do not keep grooming or first-aid kit in the feed room and don’t eat or drink in there • Keep labels and batch numbers of feed • Thoroughly clean any feed buckets or stirrers used for medication after use • Familiarise yourself with the WADA list and learn about how therapeutic use exemptions work at national and international level, should you need medication that may cause a positive test • For more information, visit beta-uk.org, feicleansport.org and bef.co.uk…

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson is back at work having broken three vertebrae in a riding fall. Mr Paterson expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the NHS staff who treated him. British showjumper Ellen Whitaker is to ride on a senior team for the first time since 2011. Ellen said her ride Arena UK Winston is “one of the best horses I’ve ever had”. Hartpury Equine Academy director Lizzel Winter has been appointed senior coach and project manager of the Finnish national eventing team. Lizzel will also continue in her role at Hartpury. Grand National-winning jockey Timmy Murphy has retired aged 43 after a 24-year career. He rode more than 1,000 winners over jumps, including Comply Or Die in the 2008 National. Former international vaulter Rosie Howard has shared her love…

TOMMY WADE THE legendary Irish showjumper died on 13 May aged 80. Mr Wade won Nations Cup and grand prix classes across the world as well as all five international classes at the 1963 Dublin Horse Show. He was best known for his partnership with the 15hh Dundrum, with whom he won numerous classes including the puissance at Horse of the Year Show in 1961, as well as helping Ireland win the Aga Khan Trophy for the first time in 14 years at Dublin in 1963. As chef d’equipe, he led Ireland to more than 30 Nations Cup victories and was at the helm when Ireland claimed the team title at the 2001 Europeans and individual gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games. He was presented with a Horse Sport…

WHEN Richard’s mother heard he’d bought himself a horse, she went straight to her bookshelves. There she found a battered copy of that classic tome, the Pony Club’s Manual of Horsemanship. Opening its pages brings back such strong memories — Richard in the tetrathlon team, Richard starting the water fight at the end of camp, Richard coming home with hounds after the children’s meet. Richard gave up riding when he went off on his gap year but now married with two children, he’s returning to the fold. He wants them to have the same fun with ponies he had, and has bought a horse so he can hack with them and introduce them to hunting on the leading rein. Richard’s wife is totally unhorsey, if willing to learn, so his…

FLIES can prove a persistent problem, plaguing horses indoors and out. Ready yourself for the onslaught this summer with advice from H&H vet Karen Coumbe MRCVS of Bell Equine. “A long-lasting fly spray, applied regularly, can be effective,” she says. “Home-made repellents with oils such as citronella may help, but insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids — especially permethrin or cypermethrin — offer the best defence against biting horse flies and the small, black flies that commonly feed around the horse’s face, neck and underside. However, try a tiny amount of any fly repellent before more widespread use, as many of the more effective products contain the relatively strong substance DEET, which is used in a variety of mosquito repellents for humans. A patch test on a hairless area of the…

• If the horse is not stable enough in the shoulder-in and the angle is varying, you probably don’t have a clear enough connection through the outside rein. It’s better to correct this on the 10m circle, not in the shoulder-in. • When riding both the 10m circle and lateral movement, the rider must establish the correct connections through the inside and outside rein. The outside of the rider’s body (leg and shoulder) must be still and straight; the inside rein and leg must be softer and more flexible to communicate with the horse. • When riding the circle, think of it as divided into four quarters, like a pie, and ride each quarter individually. • Keep the horse moving forward in the circles. Riders tend to ride them too…

AFTER retiring her 17.1hh Selle Français Gonzo, Marion Hutcheson found herself on the hunt for her next four-legged best friend. A self-confessed “cob snob”, the last horse she saw herself buying was a coloured cob. “Cobs kind of sneaked up on me. I started watching show cob classes while competing Gonzo, and there was just something about them,” says Marion. “When I saw coloured cob Syd’s advert, I said to my mother, ‘Let’s go and have a look, just for a laugh’, but I loved his attitude and ended up buying him.” The following year, Syd helped Marion through a very difficult time when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I competed him at Northumberland County Show in May on the Monday and went in for surgery on the Tuesday.…

1 Know who’s coming to give advice “Riders frequently think they have a saddle-fitter coming, but they are, in fact, an agent or seller for a saddle company. These people are often not qualified or insured to give advice,” says saddle-fitter Steph Bradley. “You wouldn’t have an unqualified vet or dentist treat your horse, so why should saddle-fitting be any different? Always check their qualifications and the range of manufacturers they work with.” 2 Dress appropriately for your appointment A saddle-fitter will need to see the saddle being ridden in, so make sure you are dressed to ride and there is a suitable area available to ride in. 3 New rider? Get the saddle checked “The saddle may have fitted the horse previously, but a new rider will be a…

THE GEORGIAN GEM Mullenkiegh House, Co. Tipperary We’re dreaming about… pulling up on the gravel driveway to this picture-perfect Georgian house, set in 11 acres and bounded by the Ballyfinboy River. Every window in the house has a view, whether it’s over the front lawn, the adjoining paddocks or countryside beyond. There are 10 stables, a feed room, tack room and 30x50m outdoor school. Extra space can be found in the standalone studio outside. Price tag: €575,000 Savills, + 353 (0) 1 663 4350, savills.com THE CASTLE Rocketts Castle Estate, Co. Waterford We’re dreaming about… channelling our inner polo player — the estate is home to the Rocketts Castle Polo Club. A hunter trials course has also been created among the 250 acres, and the Waterford Hunt meets…

Fairfax & Favor Rockingham, Northants JONTY EVANS and Cooley Rorkes Drift put their Badminton cross-country mishap behind them by winning the advanced intermediate (AI) on their dressage score of 24.9. They also collected the valuable handmade watch offered by Loomes & Co for the round closest to the optimum time in the advanced and open intermediate sections. “I was well aware of the watch [as a prize] and when the first two phases had gone well, I did go for the time across country,” said Jonty. “I didn’t push him at all, however — horses with his experience just go into another gear, and he floated round.” At Badminton, their round ended at the second water complex, where “Art” briefly got stuck in an oxer. “I think I stuffed the…

IT’S been a year of “girl power” — or maybe “mother power” — so far, with Jonelle Price winning Badminton eight months after having a baby, and Piggy French kicking off the Event Rider Masters (ERM) series for 2018 with her victory at Chatsworth. It was an all-female podium that day, and then Ingrid Klimke took the second ERM leg at Wiesbaden in Germany a week later. The women are certainly dishing it to us so far. Piggy’s cross-country round at Chatsworth was outstanding and showed what a high-class rider she is. She gives her horses confidence and rides them fast without ever looking like she is hassling or hurrying them, and they respect her for it. With the horse power she appears to have, she is a serious competitor…

RIDING at home daily can never cut the mustard for competing. So, as a trainer needing a reminder about the pressure of competition riding, I’m on a comeback campaign. OK, it’s a mini comeback, but it fits my mantra: teaching better, riding better and learning something new each day. How hard it is to grow up; and harder still to grow old. Heaving myself into a tail coat, it’s clear that some bits of me are thinner, but lots of me is fatter — and it’s all met around my middle. “Why are you competing, Pammy?” I was asked on arrival at our local venue. I’d rushed to Hunters having left the roast on the go — family comes first. I want to do this, I’d convinced myself… until I…

Compiègne CDIO5*, France GARETH HUGHES and Classic Briolinca demonstrated their potential for a team spot this year, finishing best of the British contingent. Sweden, however, were the runaway winners of the Nations Cup, while Danish rider Cathrine Dufour thrilled the crowds with a scintillating winning grand prix and kür on Atterupgaards Cassidy. The British team were disappointed to have to withdraw Becky Moody’s Carinsio before the competition started with a minor injury. The three remaining team riders (Gareth, Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite and Henriette Andersen on Flavio) all performed well, but had to settle for team fourth behind Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. The 12-year-old Briolinca (Trento B x Royal Dance) returned to international competition after soundness issues with two wins at Keysoe in March. “It was a big…

Easton Park, Suffolk | Keysoe, Beds Sara Toller and her own 16-year-old former pointer Bridgham were the only combination to break the 70% barrier at Easton Park, winning the novice qualifier on exactly that score and also taking the elementary on 65.9%. After retiring from racing and, subsequently, a successful showing career with Allister Hood, Bridgham was purchased by Sara around a year ago. “He’s been getting consistently high scores at novice and is starting elementary now — at Easton we were competing in only our second elementary,” said Sara. “He’s the most lovely horse: a perfect gentleman with three good paces, so it’s onwards and upwards from here.” Sara has lessons on a weekly basis with Alma Haylor, and also trains regularly with Paul Hayler. She shares a yard…

Duchy College, Cornwall | Kingston Maurward, Dorset | Tall Trees, Cornwall “He was a bit immature last season, but he loves working, which helps as he just wanted to play and leap round as a youngster,” said Helen of the six-year-old, who is by Woodlander Rockstar. Helen works for chartered surveyors in Truro and is trained by Diane Thurman-Baker. Scarlett John, 13, headed the elementary qualifier on the nine-year-old 146cm BKS Grand Design, by FS Golden Moonlight, whom she bought from Charlotte McDowall last autumn. “Scarlett rides every day after school and I can hear her singing in the arena as she goes round,” said Scarlett’s mother, Emma. “We’d love to go to the pony viewing day in September and the Home International, but we will see how things go.”…

The Showground, Notts ANNABEL SHIELDS used her late draw to her best advantage to clinch victory on Carnoneybridge Challenger in the feature class and earn the coveted Mattie Brown title. “This is a great class to win,” said Annabel. “He’s still relatively young and learning his trade, but he covers the ground well and we just went up an extra gear to make sure.” With no area trial this year, the feature class was billed as the Mattie Brown area trial, and 26 hopefuls went to post. Course-designer David Cole used every inch of the vast arena and, although every fence except an upright at number nine claimed at least one faulter, it was the early part of the course that caught out the most. However, seven produced initial clears…

DAISY BULLMAN, aged nine, was the catch rider of the show. She took the mini show pony championship on the family’s first ridden, Topend Jetsetter. Next, she was third and best rider on Tamara Ward’s RIHS 128cm show pony, Warleigh Charisma, and third in the RIHS M&M first ridden with Ann Overton-Ablitt’s Colne Tiger Bay — both ponies she had never ridden before. “She’s a member of the Littleport branch of the Pony Club and does everything,” said her mother, Clare. “She loves jumping and riding different ponies. It’s a bit nerve-racking for me, but it does her so much good.”…

RIHS show pony (J Hoyle) 128cm.— 1, V Hill’s Thirkleby Easter Parade; 2, R Ely’s Spelland Jack Sparrow. 138cm.— 1, A Reeves’ Strinesdale Genius; 2, S Reynold’s Rotherwood Gambler; 3, Vale Farms Ltd’s Littons Dancing Dawn. 148cm.— 1 & ch, D Edward’s Chycoose Senorita; 2 & res, R Hulbert’s Tandridge Diplomat; 3, A Hunt’s Grace Darling. LR.— 1 & ch, S Donaldson’s Melvale Tam O’Shanter; 2 & res, J Knipe’s Greenbarrow Dinky Doo; 3, C Redgate’s Rotherwood Significance. FR.— 1, S Donaldson’s Nordy Little Elf Of Sandbank; 2, L Goodyear’s Barkway Precocious 3, L Kerr’s Wytchwood Love Potion. int (M Ludlow) SRT 153cm.— 1 & ch, Supreme Products’ Comberton Clarence; 2, E Plevin’s Graceful Monarch; 3, J Smith’s Cointreau. SRT exc 153cm.— 1, D Heath’s Madison Square; 2, S Elliott’s…

RIHS Heritage (J Coltart, S Hughes) LR.— 1 & ch, R Abba’s Langfield Lord Asriel; 2, R Caddick’s Polaris Justin; 3, S Victor’s Pumphill Mr Theodore. FR.— 1 & res, L Brash’s Wellbank Gabriel; 2, C Mason’s Springwater Garden Tiger; 3, R Donnelly’s Waitwith Welsh Gold. sml.— 1, Springwater Garden Tiger. A/B.— 1, Wellbank Gabriel; 2, S Casely’s Colne Pascoe. C/D.— 1 & ch, S Parker’s Abergavenny Tywysog; 2, K Evan’s Trehewyd Cardi; 3, K Common’s Coednewydd Quantum Leap. Connemara/New Forest.— 1, S Parker’s Culmore Bobby; 2 & res, J Kelly’s Hawkhill Don; 3, K Common’s Cahanaghs Golden Boy. Fells/Dales/Highland— 1, K Hardtridge’s Ruby Rose Of Strathmore; 2, A Curle’s Harris Of Mendick; 3, J Crane’s Murthwaite Windrush. show pony (P MacInnes, C Dew) 128cm.— 1, V Taylor’s Milton Pageboy;…

JUDGE Sue Palmer was very complimentary about the quality ponies forward in the show pony classes, and her champion was the Chiddock Stop Watch five-year-old Carmens Novella (Horace), who topped the 148cm line-up for borrowed jockey Darcy Sanders. Horace was the foal running alongside Wilderness Carmen when she was a 2013 Cuddy finalist at HOYS. Owner Charlotte Read bought Horace last year for her son James to ride, but as he was at school on this occasion, Darcy took the reins. “Horace is a lovely, mannerly pony and he is proving the ideal ride for James,” said producer Lucy Glover, who recently qualified Horace for the Royal International part-bred final at BSPS A6.…

RIHS hunters (K Sears) l’wt.— 1, J Bland’s Carnsdale Capability Brown; 2, J Tyldesley’s Rehy Horizen; 3, F Ludlow’s Lowmoor Touchstone. m’wt.— 1 & ch, M Hamilton’s Annaghmore Huntsman; 2, J Ely’s Formidable; 3, P Coles’ Redwood Ash. h’wt.— 1, A Peet’s Bloomfield Ambition; 2, J Taylor’s Lowmoor Purple Pride; 3, A Hebrn’s Correnagh Cove. novice.— 1, D Harrod’s SVS Camelot; 2, R Kent’s Gold Starlight; 3, J Hathersich-Jones’ Forans Matilda. sml.— 1, H Binks’ Wycliffe; 2, C Vaughn’s Carnsdale Dreamcatcher; 3, R Collins’ EPA Sonny Bill. ladies.— 1, Rehy Horizen; 2, J Strawson’s Pembroke Grey Mist; 3, H Daniels’ Lord Manhattan. working hunter (L Daly, A Burrington).— 1, K Hirst’s Lislan Defi; 2, J Snedker’s Ballycoog Guinness; 3, B Beercock’s Parkmore Rowan. cobs (J Judge, P Crafts) l’wt.— 1…

THE highlight of hunting’s summer calendar is the puppy show. It’s one of Britain’s eccentric traditions, when people dress up to stare at the conformational qualities of young hounds they would take rather less notice of in the hunting season, when their horses tend to take centre stage. WHEN DO THEY HAPPEN? THE first few puppy shows of the year take place in the last week of April. Masters who are retiring on 1 May, especially if they have bred or hunted the hounds, can choose to have it before they leave. This is not ideal practice as the weather is cold and the puppies so immature that they haven’t changed into their summer coats. It makes the job of showing hounds even more difficult for the staff. The smarter…

LONDON-BASED property developer James Jackson-Stops registered his 11th point-to-point win in the PPORA Club members’ conditions on Gowanauthat. The jockey credited his gym workouts for helping him maintain fitness while working full-time in the City. “I ride out once a week at Fran’s [Nimmo, the winning trainer] on a Saturday because I’m in London for most of the week,” explained James. “I do a lot of gym work — running, cycling and cardio work mostly. I try to avoid weights because I find that I put on too much weight if I do that.”…