Innholdsfortegnelse for 01-Nov-2018 i Horse & Hound

IN one week we’ve moved from basking in 21°C to chipping ice off the windscreen. If this winter is as long and cold as the summer was long and hot then our horses and anyone caring for theirs are in for a challenging six months. We start bringing in at night today — though we’re fortunate the fields could take a bit more abuse — ahead of local firework displays. You could argue horses are better off out than in around 5 November. In fact, I’m sure there’s someone on social media doing that right now. To me it’s as good a day as any since I don’t expect mine to be in the least bit bothered wherever they’re situated. But it illustrates a point about how much there is…

THE scientist behind an independent trial into the effects of an equine calmer said it showed “significant” results. Dr Andrew Hemmings of the Royal Agricultural University oversaw PhD student Hayley Roberts’ study into anxiety levels and learning behaviour in horses. The project was commissioned by manufacturer NAF, to trial its calmer Magic, and two updated formulas of the supplement, which have been adopted as a result of the study’s results. Dr Hemmings told H&H the trial was effectively a double-blind, as neither Ms Roberts nor, of course, the four horses involved knew whether they were being given a new formula, existing Magic or a placebo substance, and that all horses were tried on all four substances. The trial looked at spontaneous blink rate, which is a good indicator of anxiety…

TIME TO NOMINATE YOUR TOP GROOMS NOMINATIONS are open for this year’s Haddon Training British Grooms Awards. The awards acknowledge the hard work grooms play throughout the year and have five categories, including the Team GBR grooms award and the apprentice award. Haddon Training managing director Chris Hewlett said: “While media coverage is excellent in raising awareness of the valuable role grooms play, I hope by sponsoring these awards it demonstrates the importance placed on grooms, who are the backbone of the industry.” Nominations can be made by completing a form at haddontraining.co.uk by 16 November. BRITISH STARS TO PARADE AT OLYMPIA TEAM GBR medallists from this year’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon will join a celebratory parade at Olympia (17-23 December). On the Thursday evening, spectators can see…

Trainer Dan Skelton has broken the record for securing the earliest 100 wins in a season after Sam Red and William Marshall won a handicap chase. The record was set by Martin Pipe in 2001. Italian trainer Luca Cumani, 69, has announced his retirement in December after 43 years. Luca, who trained two Derby winners, plans to sell his training yard and focus on his Fittocks Stud. Eventer Gemma Tattersall finished second at Pau CCI4* on 28 October, riding Pamero 4. Gemma, the highest placed Brit, finished on her dressage score, of 29.9, the only rider to do so. German showjumping world champion Simone Blum and DSP Alice have been eliminated from their first competition since Tryon, after a fall at the World Cup in Verona. International showjumper Harriet Nuttall…

ANNIE CLOVER Nicola Wilson’s 2014 World Equestrian Games ride has retired to the hunting field. The 14-year-old mare won silver at the young horse World Championships in 2010, had top-10 finishes at CCI4* and wins at three-star. ENTEBBE DE HUS Karim Laghouag’s 2016 Olympic eventing team gold medal-winning ride has died aged 13 after a bout of colic. One of the most successful stallions in top-level eventing, he was gelded last year. MAYWAY MASTERPIECE The Anglo-Arab stallion has died aged 21. “Arthur”, who stood at stud for 19 years, stood supreme at the Anglo and Part-Bred Arab Championship as a yearling and retired as champion veteran at Suffolk County.…

▲ DRESSAGE TERMS Anyone trying to follow Pau results online may have been rather confused by a Google translate of the movements. Not least “go back 5 not” and “not extended”, but our favourite of all? “No way”. We’ve all seen a horse capable of scoring a 10 for that one… ▲ FALLERS After a dry summer and autumn in Kent, a ditch that forms part of one formidable hunt jump is similarly lacking in water. “That’ll mean fewer people in the tumblers’ club,” a member of hunt staff sighed. “I didn’t think climate change would affect hunt funds!” ▲ POO An eBay user who listed for sale 300g of Australian racehorse Winx’s droppings was bid A$200 (£110). See that glow? That’s the eyes of every horse owner lighting up…

When I was about 12, my dad had a work party at Hove dog track one evening. I didn’t want to go; I had no interest in dog racing. But I did in the end and put on a £2 bet. I won and, from then, I was hooked. I spent my teens doing work experience with bookies and used to bunk off school to go to the betting shop. Gambling became my life, and I knew I wanted to become a bookie. I started working for a bookmaker a week after I finished my A levels. Then, when I was 19, I was working for a famous professional gambler, Tony Bloom, in Gibraltar. Some senior people came in and said they’d been given a strong tip on a horse…

SMEGMA can be dry and flaky or moist and stronger smelling: both types are normal. It is only us, as owners, who find smegma undesirable and feel the need to remove it. Too much sheath cleaning can be harmful to your horse, as it is likely to destroy the normal protective bacteria on the penis and can even encourage the growth of inappropriate, harmful bacteria. The effects of any cleaning will always be short-lived anyway, because smegma will build up again naturally within 7-10 days. The penis shaft can be cleaned of flaky smegma, if your horse allows it, sometimes without water. Wear a pair of disposable gloves and gently lift the flakes away. Use warm water, if necessary, but no soap as this can irritate. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which…

“HE is a very versatile horse,” says Paul Nicholls. “The aim is to run him over middle-distance races, as there are some great ones around. He’s had a good couple of seasons so far; he was beaten fair and square at Newbury [by Altior over two miles], but he’s won over 2m3f and 2m5f miles before so we stepped him up in trip for Aintree, and it worked. “Cheltenham doesn’t seem to suit him that well. He doesn’t perform his best there. In the Champion Chase we thought he would finish second or third on the way round, but he just seemed to fade after the last. We thought he may be flipping his palette so ran him in a tongue tie at Aintree, which worked, and he’ll be wearing…

“POLITOLOGUE is pretty straightforward,” says Clifford Baker, who has been head lad at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard since 1996. “He loves his food, he loves his work, he seems to love every second of everything. He’s not a biter or anything like that, he’s as good as anything. He just goes about his business — there’s no ‘can’t do, won’t do’ attitude to him, he wants to throw as much into it as he can. “When he’s at the races he knows where he is and he’ll get heated up walking around. By the time the jockey gets to the post he’ll be sweated up, but that’s not unusual for him, so there are no concerns if you notice that. He’s not a lean horse and seems to carry a…

USP: this stunning venue holds Wales’ biggest raceday, the Coral Welsh Grand National meeting, and is renowned for its entertainment and after-parties. What’s new for 2018/19: the inaugural Welsh Horse Racing Awards will be held later this month. Most popular meeting: there’s a real thrill about the track’s jump season opener but, in terms of popularity, it’s December’s Coral Welsh Grand National, the biggest and richest race in Wales. Most likely to see: local trainers Paul Nicholls, Colin Tizzard, Tom Lacey, Nigel Twiston-Davies, the Skelton and Bowen families, plus Chepstow’s ambassador and champion jockey Richard Johnson. Top tips: the track is only a stone’s throw away from the enclosures, so it’s a great place to feel in the heart of a day’s racing and the kids’ zones are a great…

USP: the sixth-oldest racecourse in the world and a fabulously intimate racing experience. What’s new for 2018/19: “Christmas with Crosse” on 13 December — a lunch hosted by jockey/tipster David Crosse — and diners at the Classic Luncheon on 12 January will be joined by racing legends linked to Warwick’s most famous contest, the Classic Chase. Most popular meeting: celebrations begin early at Warwick’s near sell-out New Year’s Eve raceday. Other highlights include the Classic Chase — a stepping stone for the Grand National — on 12 January, and Gentlemen’s Raceday (9 February) is a great social occasion. Most likely to see: Warwickshire trainers Olly Murphy and Dan Skelton, and jockey Richard Johnson, who rode his 3,500th winner at the course earlier this season. Top tips: early-bird tickets from £15…

USP: set in the heart of the south Somerset countryside, the track epitomises rural jump racing with a loyal fan base for whom racing is an intrinsic part of their social lives. What’s new for 2018/19: after refurbishment this summer, there is a vast new owners and trainers suite, while the new Chasers Restaurant offers racecourse vistas and the Furlongs Coffee Shop provides winter warmers. On course, new padded hurdles have been installed. Most popular meeting: the flagship Badger Ales Chase Day on 10 November, while the Boxing Day meeting is one of the county’s finest traditions. February’s Betway Kingwell Hurdle and the Cider and Cheese Day are tempting, too. Most likely to see: trainers Paul Nicholls and Colin Tizzard, and top jockeys Sam Twiston-Davies and Noel Fehily. Top tips:…

THIBAULT FOURNIER’S victory at Pau — his first CCI4* — was a lovely result. He came off on the cross-country at Aachen, which spoiled any chance he had of making the French team for the World Equestrian Games, so this will have been great compensation on home turf. Some of the more fancied runners at Pau fell by the wayside, but the British girls once again proved their strength — and sixth was a much-deserved result for Tom Crisp, too. Pau runs over a completely flat track, which definitely suits horses with less “blood”. It’s horses for courses, and a recent piece by EquiRatings reinforces my thoughts on a related issue. Before we took away the roads and tracks and steeplechase phases of three-day eventing, the thoroughbred — or nearly…

Kent & Masters Quest Championships, Bury Farm, Bucks THE Quest Championships are a great advert for the inclusivity of dressage. Horses, ponies and riders of all shapes and sizes come together to have fun and, maybe, win a much coveted rug. This year’s incarnation of the Cheshire Chicks team, comprising mother and daughter Corrie and Ciara Mclellan, Shona Rooney and Isabelle Maughan, won the open Quest team title at the fourth attempt. Second in 2017, Isabelle has been in the team every year on Cracking Opposition, and was also second in this year’s novice MyQuest championship. The Mclellans both rode Ballstra Van De Cumul, and Ciara scored over 70% on both days, as did Shona Rooney — in her first year of Team Quest — riding Tobago Bay. The team…

CABIN EC 20 Oct: prelim 7 brnz (C Ballantyne).— 1, Randalstown Trademark (B Everard) 60.68. prelim 17A Q brnz.— 1, Randalstown Trademark 64.31. nov 38Q gold.— 1, I Love You Too PC (M Niven) 68.06. silv.— 1, Hopefull B (L Gray) 61.45. elem 42 silv.— 1, Zenith (E Spence) 58.44. brnz.— 1, Anrheithf Arch Mr Monteray (L Watson) 64.84. elem 57Q silv.— 1, Whatever ( A Miller) 61.61; 2, Zenith 60.18. brnz.— 1, Anrheithf Arch Mr Montery 60.89; 2, Low Town Boy (T Little) 59.46. med 63 silv.— 1, Watch Me (J Ritchie) 67.24. brnz.— 1, Whatever 57.41. med 75Q gold.— 1, Coady Bay Brazil (E Grant) 68.51. silv.— 1, Watch Me 67.03. adv med 98Q silv.— 1, Sabella MKM (C Hamilton) 63.16. PSG Q gold.— 1, Eranda Retto (E…

COCKSHOT DRESSAGE 20 Oct: elem 57Q silv.— 1, Arleys Dun Deal (A Unwin) 71.07; 2, Hennessy B (R Jackson) 69.64; 3, Colddigger (R Elliott) 65.36. elem 43 silv.— 1, Hennessy B 71.03; 2, Colddigger 65.86. nov 38Q gold.— 1, Jm J’Adore (E Watts) 67.9. silv.— 1, Arleys Dun Deal 72.42; 2, Jude (L Jones) 69.52; 3, Shadana (A Ratcliffe) 67.1. brz.— 1, Royal Emerald Revelation (S Heaton) 63.55. nov 22 silv.— 1, Arleys Dun Deal 74.83; 2, Jude 73.97; 3, Shadana 69.83. brnz.— 1, Fudge (P Hartley) 69.83; 2, Harwin Star Of Destiny (D Harper) 63.45. prelim 17A Q silv.— 1, Fudge 71.9; 2, Morfa Girl (A Banner) 67.93; 3, Bond Girl (A Cope) 67.93. brnz.— 1, Clonguish Lady Ferro (S Pountain) 64.83. prelim 19Q silv.— 1, Bardolino II (G…

EASTON & OTLEY 20 Oct: prelim 15Q gold (V Hyslop).— 1, Forever London (E Darling) 68.6. silv.— 1eq, Ponpeo (M Bradley) & Capalina BF Z (S Finch) 67.2; 3, Miss Moneypenny IV (N Snowling) 65.2. brnz.— 1, Hordens Kittywake (A Gray) 64; 2, Magnum Classic (F Vos) 61.2. nov 38Q gold.— 1, Forever London 70.64; 2, Heros II (T Kusch) 65.16. silv.— 1, Carlung Peregrine (C Kinsley) 72.58; 2, Regimental (J Nutbeam) 71.77; 3, Swarovski Rox (T Swift) 68.06. brnz.— 1, Capalina BF Z 66.93. nov FSM Q gold (G Sandom).— 1, Heros II 69.72. silv.— 1, Carlung Peregrine 76.11; 2, Catchphrase (A Cameron) 70; 3, Oatfield Charlie (E McFadyen) 68.61. elem 57Q silv.— 1, Deluxe II (K Haywood-Rand) 70; 2, Ferguson II (S Joyes) 67.14; 3, Full Monty Van…

20 Oct: cauldron pony 75cm.— 1, Tinkerbel The 3rd (R Proudley); 2, Kantjes Zamontinaro (L Douglas-Jones); 3, Derrymore Lucky Lad (E Bond Smith). goblin pony 85cm.— 1, Fast Fun (K Yeoman); 2, Comeytrowe Dione (A Caley); 3, Cariad Mam (S Lilley). Ryder Saddles pumpkin pairs relay.— 1, Golden Spice (Z Shields) & Ooops II (L Parker); 2, Kilminchy Mini Me (D Francis) & Legend Reborn (K Yeoman); 3, Bealings Pride (M Baker) & Cariad Mam. monster pony 70cm.— 1, Grangepark Darby (L Dawson); 2, Sweet Salsa (L Watchman); 3, Sandling Outstanding Account (L Douglas-Jones). pony British nov.— 1, Royal Storm (M Liddle); 2, Rockyview Hannah (A Gubb); 3, City Of Gold (K Yeoman). skeleton pony 80cm.— 1, Winter Flame (D Fletcher); 2, Lord Marmaduke (K Butterfield); 3, Nansavallan Pushkin Bling…

Future minis.— 1eq, 32 shared. 128/138 handicap.— 1, Buttons Two (R Proudley); 2, Arrowhead Quiver (L Loveridge); 3, Mickybo (S Reape). rising stars.— 1, Rocky Robin I (J Howard); 2, Neil 55 (C Young); 3, Granouche (S Greig). 1.15/1.25m.— 1, Razorlite II (J Myers); 2, Gangnam Style II (N Lockhead-Anderson); 3, Jeannie Norman (L Judge). 128/138cm.— 1, Living The Dream (T Kyle); 2, Buttons Two; 3, The Bullseye (L Murphy). winter 128cm.— 1, Toorboy Tommy (A Shortall); 2, Madonna (C Mensley); 3, Sparkle III (N von Bulow). winter 138cm.— 1, The Bullseye; 2, Buttons Two; 3, Playboy Van De Zoetewei (T Kyle). rising stars.— 1, Doe Mate (R Moran); 2, Still Got Me (C Templeton); 3, Strawberry Rojo (I Goddard). 1.15/1.20m.— 1, Henrietta Star (R Moran); 2, Westward Sunshine (E…

Countryside Live, Great Yorkshire Showground SANDRA BURTON is hoping that lightning will strike twice in December after bagging the last Heritage Olympia qualifier of the season with Banks Timber (Tim) under Janet Hoyle and Tom Barron. Her other Connemara, Fly The Last Flute, qualified in similar style at Countryside Live in 2013 and went on to take the overall title at the Christmas final. The omens do look favourable for Tim, who will be joining seven other Connemara ponies in London, as he captured the best of breed award for the second time when finishing third there last term. After collecting an early Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket in April, the 10-year-old stallion returned to Co. Galway to commence stud duties until July, during which time he also…

JUDGING conformation at the final of the SEIB Search For A Star series was a delight. The quality and standards have soared over its 22 years and this year proved again that amateurs can have professional standards and attitudes. This series is one of the best things in showing and reaching the final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has become something every amateur should aspire to. Every professional starts as an amateur, which is something those who complain about professionals “blocking” their chances should remember. Complaints that riders qualified horses for HOYS and deliberately didn’t take them — particularly in the lightweight hunters — were ridiculous. For example, we had three qualified; one horse was sold before HOYS and another had stitches in its leg. There was also…

Open.— 1, Relentless (R Cope, A & M Mackley, J Quinlan); 2, Wishful Thinkers Too (S Coady, D Gwyn-Jones, M Linehan, P Bradley); 3, Fox Grant Dot Com (W Grant, H Moodie, C Shuckburgh). int (speed).— 1, Eternal Optimists (S Coady, H Chamberlain, L Terblanche Brown, S Cork); 2, Team Ride Away IV (R Stanning, A Bradshaw, J Sheppard, J Stevenson); 3, Fox Grant Thrusters (Y Goss, A Stone, P Lovett, K McKee) int (bogey).— 1, Jolly Hockey Sticks (D Wheeler, T Rodgers, A Jabczyski); 2, Foxcote Flyers (R & C Vestey, T Fox, S du Rouet); 3, Ciren Sirens (H Welch, G Ewell, R Hutton, J Wedlake). nov (bogey).— 1, Wychwood Spice (V Hartley, D Bizarra, J Purnell, A Stich); 2, Redbarn Rampagers (A & J Wild, J Fleming,…

A STRONG reaction to proposed changes to the eventing flag rule has resulted in the FEI rewriting its suggestion. The original proposal was to scrap the current 50 penalties and instead give 15 in cases where the horse “misses a flag but clearly negotiated the element”, with 20 to those deemed to have run out. This was met with confusion, particularly around what is meant by the “body of the horse” passing or failing to pass between flags. Britain put forward 11 suggestions, stressing the need for more clarification over what is meant by “missing an obstacle”. Germany, New Zealand, Ireland and Switzerland also called for more clarity. The new proposal states: “A horse is considered to have run out (20 penalties) if, having been presented at an element or…

WINX The world’s top-rated horse made history as she claimed Cox Plate victory for a fourth time on 27 October with jockey Hugh Bowman. Trained by Chris Waller, this was the seven-year-old mare’s 29th consecutive win. ONE TWO MANY The European team silver medal-winning eventer has retired, aged 16. Owned by Gerry and Mary Kemp and Janine Shewan, he won five CIC3*s and was placed at CCI4* with Nicola Wilson. ASPEN GROVE DUVIE A former ride for Gareth Hughes, the 17-year-old has died after a happy retirement with owner Ann Newton. He was successfully produced to grand prix by Gareth and the pair’s victories included wins at Hickstead CDI3*.…

IGNASI CASAS VAQUE has been “relieved” of his FEI endurance duties while facing as yet unspecified disciplinary actions for his behaviour at WEG. He was chef d’equipe of the Spanish team, who were in gold position when the ride was stopped because of the number of distressed horses being referred to the clinic. On Facebook Live, Casas Vaque was seen at the centre of ugly scenes, and can be clearly heard threatening the ground jury president Jean-Pierre Allegret. Police were called. Dr Casas Vaque is also expected to explain why he wore a number tabard allocated to the groom of another team. Decisions are still being made about the discipline of other officials and participants, following an investigation into the false start and other incidents by the FEI’s Equine Community…

THE FEI has confirmed that Regumate Equine may be given to competition horses, despite warnings over its use in racing. The British Horseracing Authority told trainers to remove the product from their yards after Australian racehorses who had been given altrogenest, the active ingredient of Regumate, tested positive for traces of steroids trendione and trenbolone. Batches sourced in Europe were also found to contain trendione. But FEI veterinary director Göran Akerström said altrogenest is allowed, in mares, to suppress oestrus, adding: “The FEI has conferred with the director of the FEI central laboratory and can confirm it is permissible to use altrenogest product Regumate solution 2.2 mg/mL for mares as per the manufacturer’s instructions,” he said. “The FEI veterinary department recommends anyone using or planning to use the product should…

THE ALPHABET Overheard, a dressage rider sighing over her daughter’s knowledge of the alphabet. “She said E when they asked what came after K,” she mused. Nothing wrong with that, unless you’re in a long arena, obviously… LITERATURE A rider with a copy of weighty tome Wolf Hall in her lorry glove box reveals it is there to be read when she has broken down and is waiting for recovery. Worryingly, she’s on the last chapter. But at least it could later have another job as a brick behind the wheel? GREATCOATS Readers may remember the FEI proposal to allow ground juries to wear “greatcoats” in bad weather. Sadly this now looks unlikely, as Equestrian Australia says the term is “not in common usage in various tropical and subtropical regions”,…

SARAH has managed a DIY livery yard for 25 years (yes, she would quite like an OBE, actually) and is used to her often fairly inexperienced liveries asking, white-faced, if they should call the vet. “I’ll come and have a look, but let’s not panic yet,” is her stock phrase. Generally, she finds a horse resting a back leg (because it is half-asleep) or one with a stone wedged next to its frog, or a few scratches where it has itched its bottom on a fence with wire attached. Sarah is a proper horsewoman and will, of course, ring the vet if a horse is colicking, has a puncture wound or needs stitches. However, she doesn’t want her poor clients, who want the best for their beloved nags, to pay…

ON THE SLIDE A HORSE’S back moves in a variety of ways in all gaits: flexing up and down and from side to side, rotating and tilting backwards and forwards. Ideally, both saddle and rider sit squarely and centrally on the horse’s back so that any effects of this additional weight are evenly distributed. But we know that saddle slippage is common in ridden work. A team of vets, scientists and master saddlers has investigated the effect of saddle slip, or roll, on sound horses. They used observation, high-tech gait analysis and pressure sensors beneath the saddle to see how the slightest movement made a difference to the action and gait of seven adult sport horse geldings. Horses and riders were kitted out with the technology and their own saddles…

JESSE CAMPBELL NEW ZEALAND event rider Jesse Campbell moved to the UK in 2009 to train with Mark Todd. At 21, he became the youngest UK-based rider to be selected for the New Zealand eventing squad. Jesse runs his own yard in Marlborough and has competed on Nations Cup and in the Event Rider Masters series. TRAINING THE STARS I WAS at Kelsall Hill with an experienced horse of mine, Amsterdam II, and he had a look at the decent drop they had on the intermediate track, which was purely through lack of recent exposure to this type of fence. I took him home and we spent some time practising drop fences and he’s been fine ever since.…

“HE is easy to ride in a race, he sets himself up for the fences nicely and is a very strong traveller,” says Harry Cobden (pictured), who has won twice on Politologue, including the Grade One Tingle Creek last December. “He gets to a jump and sorts himself out — he does all the hard work for you. Even at home in the school he just showjumps round. He’s very adaptable — he goes on good ground, heavy ground, he makes it look simple. “Winning the Tingle Creek last season was amazing — he jumped and travelled pretty perfectly. He’s so genuine and always tries his hardest, there’s never a time when he doesn’t put his all into it. I’m really excited about this season.” Sam Twiston-Davies, who won the…

USP: the natural amphitheatre makes it one of the best viewing racecourses in the country and the quickest to reach from London. It is the only racecourse to hold two military race meetings. Most popular meeting: the Betfair Tingle Creek Christmas Festival (7-8 December) and the Bet365 Jump Finale in April, which is the curtain-closer to the jumps season. Most likely to see: some of the biggest prize money — over £2m — attracts all the leading names from Great Britain and Ireland. Top tips: make your way into the centre of the course for an unrivalled view. • sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk…

USP: “The best jump racing in the world” — most famous for its four-day Festival in March. What’s new for 2018/19: the original Cheltenham Gold Cup, which was first awarded 94 years ago but has been in a bank vault since the 1970s, has been unearthed to be presented once again. Most popular meeting: the Festival, but the November meeting also features Countryside Day and Family Day. Most likely to see: all the leading faces from the British and Irish racing scene, plus celebs galore and a few royals. Top tips: for Cheltenham’s racing history, visit the Hall of Fame. Try the Panoramic Restaurant, but you’ll need to book a year in advance for a seat on Gold Cup day. • cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk…

STARING at my hunting stock, the woman serving coffee at the motorway services asked: “Are you a jockey, Sir?” I could have lied, pretended I was the oldest and heaviest member of that profession, and she would have believed me. Instead, I said: “No, but I am going to ride a horse, and will be hunting a running man or woman across countryside.” She looked concerned, then a knowing smile came across her face and she said: “I don’t think you are telling me the truth, Sir.” A few hours later, some 70 riders, 12 couple of black and tan bloodhounds — plus a white and tan model called SirPrise — and a trio of lean runners were concrete evidence of my honesty. The backdrop to the Coakham Bloodhounds’ opening…

Huntsman of the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray in West Sussex since 2003, Adrian “Sage” Thompson is the first to admit he “doesn’t go looking for jumps” but, if hounds were running, Buck was the horse he wanted to be on. “I would ask him to jump and he would say, ‘How high?’” A 16.3hh chestnut gelding of unknown Irish breeding, Buck was bought by John Broyce, huntsman of the Chiddingfold and Leconfield before Sage, from Irishman Donal Barnwell. ‘He loved the hounds and always knew exactly what was going on’ SAGE THOMPSON ON BUCK “He had a wild side; when John tried him, he leapt two barrels stacked up with a pole on top,” says Sage. “His past was a bit sketchy and he did have a reputation for…

Pau, France THIBAULT FOURNIER made history at this year’s final CCI4* in the northern hemisphere when he became the youngest-ever rider to claim the Pau title. But the 23-year-old rider was the first to admit a win wasn’t expected to be on the cards for him and Siniani De Lathus. “There are no words to describe how I’m feeling,” said the second-year human physiotherapy student. “We came here this week to see whether ‘Sissou’ and I were capable of competing at this level and he’s been amazing.” Siniani De Lathus, a 12-year-old Selle Français by Volchebnik, was runner-up in the CCI3* under-25 class at Bramham in June. His cross-country clear at Pau was effortless, bar one long route near the end of the course. But the pair still managed to…

TENTH place was a welcome surprise for 27-year-old David Britnell and Continuity, the best British four-star debutantes. “The aim was to come here and qualify for Badminton by finishing in the top half, but I honestly can’t believe we’ve done it so well,” said the full-time rider and coach from Buckinghamshire. “I bought ‘Brad’ as a failed showjumper when he was five — he wouldn’t jump clear in a British novice. He has a sarcoid on his sheath and cost £3,000, but he was a diamond in the rough. “We did Pony Club area competitions and then progressed from BE90s. We never thought he would be a four-star horse but, as we’ve steadily climbed grades, he’s made each one feel so easy.”…

ON.— 1, Vic (N Dixon) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Maverona Man (H Howard) 29,0,0=29; 3, JSR Crazy Mazy (G Dukes) 31,0,0=31. PON.— 1, Rathnaleen Roy (A Martinez) 32,0,0=32; 2, Bobnamara (A Martinez) 34.8,0,0=34.8; 3, Nono (F White) 28.3,4,3.2=35.5. nov sec F.— 1, Not Done (S Gairdner) 31.8,0,2.8=34.6; 2, Tick Toc Tim (W Morton) 37.5,0,0=37.5; 3, Be My Romeo (J Kavanagh) 39.3,0,0=39.3. sec G.— 1, Future Gravitas (J-P Sheffield) 21.8,4,2.8=28.6; 2, Shades Of Grey II (A Dance) 24,0,8.8=32.8; 3, Hardy Warrior (G Mason) 32.5,4,1.2=37.7. sec P.— 1, Just Dunnit (L Scholl) 24.3,0,3.6=27.9; 2, Gido G (S Chamberlain) 28.5,0,0.4=28.9; 3, Florus (L Baugh) 29.8,0,0=29.8. sec Q.— 1, Curolea Mika (N Dixon) 26.8,0,0.4=27.2; 2, My Knockillaree Conquistador (A Rimmer) 27.5,0,0.4=27.9; 3, G Star (J Sommerville) 24.5,4,3.2=31.7. BE100open.— 1, Whitney B (I Laurence) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 2, Red…

IT’S generally agreed that we need to bring back real “club level” competition, as the British Dressage (BD) silver section is currently too large. But how to re-group it? One of my keen amateur clients summed it up: “I don’t ride a gypsy cob, ex-racehorse or a veteran. I ride a dressage horse as well as I can and I’d like a section I could be competitive in and a chance to go to a championship”. Contrary to popular opinion, the gold section is not a group of ruthless team riders on million dollar horses, intent on pursuing a rosette, fame and glory at all costs. But it is professional level and it’s where international riders should be. A high standard makes us all ride better and this shouldn’t be…

SOLIHULL 18 Oct: med 73Q gold (C Ballantyne).— 1, E-Mail (I Murray) 71.47. adv med 85 gold.— 1, Extra II (V Jones) 73.52. silv.— 1, Bobby Brown 42 (K Davies) 64.99; 2, Tinie Tempah (H Keatinge) 62.79. adv med 92Q gold.— 1, Extra II 67.97. silv.— 1, E-Mail 70; 2, Bobby Brown 42 66.48; 3, Tinie Tempah 65.75. PSG gold.— 1, Bonita VI (M Forrest) 70; 2, Camelot’s Black Knight (H Kipping) 69.08; 3, Leonidor L (L Kinsella-Pearn) 66.18. inter I gold.— 1, Bequia (Z Sleigh) 64.47. silv.— 1, Serafine (S Johnson) 60.92. inter II silv.— 1, Zidaan (T Johnson) 61.84.…

PACHESHAM 21 Oct: prelim 15Q silv (Y Huber).— 1, Snow Ridge (G White) 66.60; 2, Henry Blue Of Moorby (D Boylan-White) 65.6. brnz.— 1, Coppenagh Black Bertie (L Blackwell) 64.8. prelim 19Q gold.— 1, Goltaire D (S Martin) 62.7. silv.— 1, SD Cookies And Cream (T Collins) 68.75; 2, Henry Blue Of Moorby 66.66; 3, Snow Ridge 65.83. brnz.— 1. Copppenagh Black Bertie 63.33. nov 22 gold (P Green).— 1, Greenlanes Jester (J Hill) 69.82. silv.— 1, Crampscastle Nightlight (T Shakespeare) 67.24; 2, Isabelle (J Collins) 66.89; 3, Luckatme (J Baldwin) 65.86. brnz.— 1, Cikita (L Duval) 65.68; 2, Nero J (E Frohlich) 65.6; 3, Downtown II (C Evans) 64.13. nov 38Q gold (Y Huber).— 1, Greenlanes Jester 74.67; 2, Seductor P (C Hammerson) 69.19; 3, Zaire LH (J Mouradian)…

Hunters Equestrian, Glos | Hartpury University & Hartpury College, Glos | Burrows Court Farm, Glos Lucinda Elliott kicked off with a double medium win at Hunters Equestrian with Hawtins Bellegra. “She is lightly competed but we’re building a partnership,” said Lucinda, who joined the Hawtins team in March and started with Bellegra at medium. “She has a great attitude and is so brave. Everything is starting to click and come together.” At Hartpury it was the turn of Hawtins Soave, who also took both mediums — heading the medium 69 with 77.27%. The seven-year-old Sir Donnerhall daughter has had a fruitful year with Bryony Goodwin. “She was a late starter as she was quite gangly and all legs,” said Bryony of “Foxy”, who was an elementary gold regional champion in…

WEST WILTS 20 Oct: prelim 7 silv (R Dobson).— 1, Chaceley Bobby (P Tucker) 70.68. brnz.— 1, Micheal Beag (V Neal) 65.22; 2, Felton Ragalok (P Dillon) 60.9. prelim 13Q gold.— 1, Its Miller Time (K Marks) 59.8. silv.— 1, Easy Does It (D Davis) 70.96; 2, Chaceley Bobby 69.42; 3, Nancy III (G Box) 69.23. brnz.— 1, Zippery Zap (S Halladey) 66.92; 2, Micheal Beag 64.61; 3, Felton Ragalok 61.53. nov 24 gold (S Kozuba-Kozubska).— 1, Rubytuesday (T Denness) 75.65; 2, Seagry Francesca (C Hutton) 75.21. silv.— 1, Jodan (J Davies) 71.08; 2, KL Decon Dun (W Collett) 68.69; 3, Bonetta (V Davis) 68.47. brnz.— 1, Nancy III 65.87; 2, Louada Festival (C Luscombe) 64.13. nov 34Q gold (R Dobson).— 1, Seagry Franchesca 78.33; 2, Rubytuesday 72.85. silv.— 1,…

A MILITARY-STYLE Olympia preparation is the key to success at the Christmas final. Sam Roberts, who has won there three times with Welsh section Bs will have her three 2018 contenders on tick-over mode until mid November. Only then will they come back into full work with lots of variety, including dressage, jumping and fun rides — as well as gallops on the beach. They will be clipped if necessary, although she hasn’t done so for the last four years. Sarah Parker has seven bound for London on 23 December. “We normally clip them four to six weeks before the final and stand them under the solarium before grooming, and also hot cloth them daily. Work-wise, they are all treated as individuals. Their schedules usually involve hacking with some going…

Cotswold, Foxcote Estate, Glos RELENTLESS proved that they are back in the game with a win in the Skinner’s Pet Foods open qualifier at the Cotswold team chase. After struggling for horsepower over the last year, the line-up gelled beautifully over the Cotswold track that combines stone walls, drop hedges and a new, imposing Irish bank (see box, right). With Rowan Cope and Anne Mackley sharing the lead, they ran fast to the switchback of walls and then steadied up to tackle the twisty challenge of a timber triple, Irish bank and big drop over a stout hedge. Running fast on the second half of the course, Matt Mackley and Jack Quinlan pushed on for the dressing fence — all four horses taking off in quick succession — before they…

The Showcase meeting, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos BRITISH trainers were given a hiding by their Irish counterparts at the Cheltenham Festival in March and many might be privately hoping that the implications of Brexit are wide-ranging enough to keep Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins away from Gloucestershire altogether. Elliott was responsible for two of the three Irish winners at Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting on Saturday, 27 October and, in worrying news for the opposition, he indicated that he will be back again soon as there is little prospect of catching Mullins in his domestic table. “We had a quiet six weeks at home and the [Irish] championship has gone, really,” said Elliott, who threw all of his resources into a battle with Mullins last season only to be overhauled at the Punchestown…

‘The sight of Adam lifting the old armchair with the forklift and carrying it to the bonfire was a thing of beauty’ WE are building a house here; we have been doing so since we arrived eight years ago if you include getting the planning permission. Protracted does not come close. When people ask, “How is the house getting on?” I go into a self-induced coma brought on by extreme boredom. We have been talking about this house for so long now, I have forgotten that we might live in it one day. I see it like a large installation project by one of those trendy conceptual artists you find in East London — multiple tattoos, beard, hair in a bun. The builders build away less than 10m away from…

OVERJOYED keepers at Blackpool Zoo have described the birth of a rare zebra as a “miracle”. Wakanda is the only surviving Harmann’s mountain zebra filly to be born in the UK since 2002, and the sole healthy foal of either gender to survive since her brother Jabali was born in 2015. Assistant head keeper Johnpaul Houston discovered the new arrival when he arrived for work on 6 September. “We knew Helene was pregnant but, with stillbirth rates high in this species, we never know if the pregnancy will result in a healthy foal,” he said. “So imagine my joy when I first saw this gorgeous little one contently feeding. “After a fantastic summer here, this momentous birth means we have all ended the season on a huge high.”…

Sir — The online opinion piece “Retired horse, free to good home” (21 October) absolutely nailed this subject. There are far too many elderly horses being advertised as “much loved” and “looking for their forever home”. I had a 10-year-old mare who, although very well bred, came with a few issues which we discovered were due to problems with her sacroiliac joint. After a range of treatments and therapies that didn’t work long term, we had to have her put to sleep. It was heartbreaking, but I would absolutely make the same decision again. If I’d sold her as a broodmare, I bet someone would have tried to ride her (I know I would have done) and that could have led to either a rider or the mare being injured.…

“WHENEVER I see my doctor, he always asks if I’m ready to give up team chasing and take up knitting,” laughs Yvonne Goss, having listed her past injuries and revealed she takes daily painkillers to ease the aches and pains that comes with four decades of the sport. Yet at the age of 55, the self-deprecating queen of team chasing has no plans to slow down and, if anything, her victory in this year’s Golden Button Challenge, aboard her home-bred ex-racehorse, Untilla Legend (aka Jaffa), has set her competitive flame even more alight. On winning, she became the first dual victor of the tough annual hunt ride that covers three gruelling miles over 22 natural obstacles. As we chat in the comfort of her flat, adorned with trophies, rosettes, framed…

‘Forage should form the basis of every horse’s ration’ THE onset of autumn is the time to start monitoring any fluctuations in your horse’s weight, temperament and condition more closely. For most of us, the shorter days mean that it’s not possible to ride as often as we might like, and with the UK’s reputation for torrential downpours, many horses will also have restricted turnout. Feeding routines need to take these factors into consideration so horses remain in optimum condition, manageable to handle and are kept occupied when turnout is restricted. Preparing for the worst of the winter now will support your horse through the challenges of the colder months. FORAGE FIRST FORAGE should form the basis of every horse’s ration. In many cases, condition, performance and mental wellbeing of…

7yo grey gelding by Poliglote out of Scarlet Row (FR, by Turgeon — USA) Owner: John Hales Trainer: Paul Nicholls Breeder: Henri Devin Prize money: £454,457 BEST RESULTS: winning nine races from 18 starts and finishing second four times, Politologue has had a successful career so far. Last season he won four of six races, his most recent time out taking the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree. Earlier in the season he won the Grade One Tingle Creek at Sandown, as well as two Grade Twos — the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park and the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. The season before he also won the Grade Two Mitie Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot.…

“I BOUGHT Politologue by accident, actually, when we were in Auteuil,” says owner John Hales, who has also enjoyed success with showjumpers Arko III and Russel, as well as Grand National winner Neptune Collonges, among others. “We weren’t there to buy a horse but after racing that day I was due to meet David Powell, a friend of Anthony Bromley [bloodstock agent], so we needed to stay to the last race. We saw this nice grey and thought he looked lovely. He ran a superb race and won well, so we bought him. “His ability is outstanding and he’s very special — the day he won the Melling Chase at Aintree [where John lost the mighty grey One Man two decades earlier] was especially so. “He’s had a couple of…

USP: the only figure-of-eight jumps track in the country. A relaxed, family-friendly venue where, in 1949, The Queen had her first winner. What’s new for 2018/19: a different spin on the family fun days — more to be announced — plus a menu shake-up from the new catering manager. Most popular meeting: Boxing Day at the races is a Sussex tradition and crowds flock in for the festivities, including ice-skating, reindeer and Kempton’s King George shown on the big screen. Most likely to see: local trainers Chris Gordon, Nick Gifford and Gary Moore. Top tips: follow Fontwell Park on social media for the best ticket deals and ask about the stable tours with Barbara — an exclusive glimpse backstage on raceday. • fontwellpark.co.uk…

• Ascot: steeped in history with a breathtaking grandstand to watch top-class racing. • Exeter: the second-highest course in the UK, attracting the best novice chasers and hurdlers. • Haydock Park: home to leg one of the £1m Chase Triple Crown with a glorious tree-lined parade ring. • Musselburgh: a breath of seaside air and guaranteed entertainment — they know how to put on a show here! • Newbury: quality racing and free entry for under-18s. • Perth: Great Britain’s most northerly racecourse with meetings from April to September. • Punchestown: hosts a famous five-day end-of-season festival, a high point of the sporting calendar.…

COMMON sense tells me that within a decade, many packs of foxhounds will have become integrated for all sorts of different reasons and, as a result, some of us will grow in to the 21st century by merging. The power of two, or even three in some cases, will make us stronger, and this inevitable course will ensure hunting’s survival long into the future. The problem as I see it is that as a community, we are incredibly tribal and the thought of losing our heritage and identity frightens us. But it does make sense and we should continue to encourage sensible, profitable relationships between packs that will put us all in a stronger position going forward. If full-on amalgamation with one’s neighbour seems just too big a hedge with…

ELEVEN years ago, Tom Crisp’s parents-in-law, Patricia and Robin Balfour, bred a filly foal. She was out of a mare who Tom’s wife, Sophie, competed up to advanced level and was born on 4 July. She was therefore named Liberty And Glory (pictured). Fast forward to October 2018, and the 16hh mare, who was originally produced by Sophie, recorded a double clear at her second four-star, landing sixth place with Tom. “She’s very feisty with a mind of her own — she used to sit on the floor cross-country schooling and go nowhere if she didn’t want to do it,” remembers Tom. “But I learnt to take the pressure off her and make her feel good about herself and she’s since exceeded all expectations.”…

CCI4*.— 1, Siniani De Lathus (T Fournier) FRA 25.5,0,4=29.5; 2, Pamero 4 (G Tattersall) GBR 29.9,0,0=29.9; 3, Wont Wait (C Loiseau) FRA 31.7,0,4=35.7; 5, Zenshera (R Canter) GBR 24.1,7.2,9=40.3; 6, Liberty And Glory (T Crisp) GBR 37.8,3.6,0=41.4; 10, Continuity (D Britnell) GBR 34.8,6.8,8=49.6; 11, Call Me Maggie May (I Taylor) GBR 37.5,7.2,8=52.7; 12, Watts Burn (N Roncoroni) GBR 32.1,12,10=54.1; 13, Carpa Du Buisson Z (T Jackson) 36.7,18.8,0=55.5. CIC2*.— 1, Aispirit De La Loge (G Le Coz) FRA 27.8,1.6,1=30.4; 2, Arpege Du Mancel (A Nicolas) FRA 30.8,2.4,0=33.2; 3, Harrison Dn Z (I Jamain) FRA 28.8,6,0=34.8; 10, Galileo Nieuwmoed (D Doel) GBR 30.3,6.8,4=41.1.…

TeamQuest: open ch.— 1, Cheshire Chicks (Ciara Mclellan, Ballstra Van De Cumul; S Rooney, Tobago Bay; I Maughan, Cracking Opposition; Corrie Mclellan, Ballstra Van De Cumul) 421.65; 2, Norfolk Centreliners (N Reynolds, Merlin I; K Lake, Mister Jasper; J Maclean, Wingspan; Connor Sharpe, Red Hot Chilli Pepper) 411.67; 3, Too Cool To School (L Jones, Maenerw Verona; L Rees, Midnight Rocker Elvis; A Tozer, Ralphy; E Thompson-Warren, Ralphy) 411.58. U21 ch.— 1, Connor And The Dressage Divas (M Maclean, Cherrymount Rainbow; C Sharpe, Tomriland Billy; K Joyce, Tomriland Billy) 423.26; 2, The Pocket Rockets (F Grabham, Waxwing Pocket Money; T Holland, Uphill Sunshine; E Daniell, Leading Lady II; S Moss, Turloughrevagh Boy) 413.65; 3, Derbyshire Young Riders (T Dennett, Templehill Jasper; L Dennett, Kelbrook Thriller; M Lewcock, New Hunt Foxtrot,…

Holmside Hall EC, Co. Durham | Todburn EC, Northumb Sherri and her six-year-old Dattas Commander won a prelim overall and the silver section of another at Holmside after being back in action for just a few months. “He came down on the road and smashed my foot, so I’ve had a year off with surgery and rehab,” explained Sherri, who is an army recovery officer working with wounded soldiers. “I found him on Facebook just after I lost my mare due to a field injury. He’s got a lovely personality and is willing to learn and, although he’s tall, my parents were able to look after him while I was off as he’s so gentle. I got back on in June this year and he’s going from strength to strength.”…

Cabin EC, Aberdeen She and Eranda Retto completed winter regional qualification at PSG and inter I, while Eilidh’s new ride Coady Bay Brazil achieved a double win at medium. The nine-year-old Tuschinski mare Eranda Retto (Etta), has only just moved up to inter I and, with limited venues offering this class, Eilidh was pleased to achieve 69.47%. “She felt amazing; sometimes she can be a little lazy during tests at local shows, but she was fairly hot,” enthused Eilidh. Having finished 12th in the advanced medium at the national championships, Etta has recently undergone some dental treatment at the Royal (Dick) Vet School. “She had a routine CT scan and they found two small fractures and an infected tooth, which was cleaned and treated. She’s such a strong, stoic mare…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 18 Oct: nov 22 gold (G Leverett).— 1, Wasryw (A Farina Rodriguez) 71.37. silv.— 1, Dancing With Mr D (H Wicks) 71.2; 2, Cloherview Eddie (S Martin) 67.24; 3, Farrington Zodiac (S Kardos) 65.34. nov 37Q gold (C Hogg).— 1, Wasryw 69.07. silv.— 1, Cloherview Eddie 64.25; 2, Movi Maker (N Sells) 63.88; 3, Farrington Zodiac 61.85. elem 43 silv (G Leverett).— 1, KF Sorpresa (J Morris) 72.41. brnz.— 1, Spring Razzle Dazzle (J Dudley) 67.24. elem 57Q silv (C Hogg).— 1, KF Sorpresa 69.1; 2, Zalentine (H Gill) 64.64. med 69 gold.— 1, Hawtins Bellegra (L Elliott) 74.54; 2, Vaterloo (A Farina Rodriguez) 64.54. silv.— 1, Grevaldi (K Withers) 61.51. brnz.— 1, Zalentine 58.93. med 75Q gold.— 1, Hawtins Bellegra 75.13; 2, Vaterloo 63.1. silv.— 1, Grevaldi…

THE highest score at Codham Park, 75% at prelim, went to Sophie Hyde and the nine-year-old Cruising daughter Cooley Delta, who had been written off after several veterinary issues. “‘Pebbles’ suffered a knee injury that required surgery. We believe the surgery triggered a life-threatening blood clot in her neck and, subsequently, grade four ulcers, which were so bad we were told she could only be a broodmare,” said Sophie, who juggles a full-time job at Ernst & Young with eventing two horses. “She missed two seasons of eventing. I never cried so much in my life as she means the world to me, but she fought so hard and came back to event, finishing this season with a fifth at BE100. She always goes double clear but her dressage is…

Arena UK pony Halloween spooktacular, Lincs IT usually takes time to establish an effective partnership, but 14-year-old Violetta Beach and her ride of only five weeks, Silverlea Peppermint, are already a pair to be reckoned with. Violetta and her 14-year-old New Forest gelding were at only their fourth show together and, after collecting placings on each of the four days here, finished with a fantastic performance to win the 95cm grand prix. It needed to be a good round, as Lauren Caley’s time on Burren Lad II looked good enough to win. But then in came Violetta to gallop even faster and take the top spot by a fraction. Violetta is still recovering from a badly broken collarbone after a fall in June. “It didn’t heal properly and sometimes hurts…

BUILDING at a show for five days gives a course-designer plenty of scope to build varied tracks. Starting off with flowing, easy-going distances, we gradually built up to more technical courses that asked more questions. Although some riders were visibly apprehensive at first, it was nice to see them improve and grow in confidence over the following few days. In a ring of this size, it is easy to build up to height with no tricky distances or catch fences. Every course was different, and I make a point of accurately measuring the length in full view of everyone, so they can see where we had wheeled, and it was good to note how much more attentive riders became, to the point of even noticing when we moved islands. I…

IRISH TAKE NORTH AMERICA ACROSS the Atlantic, Irish riders were once again in flying form. Paul O’Shea filled the top two places in the $132,000 (£102,800) grand prix at Tryon, North Carolina, in the USA. Victory came with the 10-year-old Skara Glen’s Presence and the runner-up spot with Imerald Van’t Voorhof. At the Royal West Show in Canada, Conor Swail and the eight-year-old Koss Van Heiste secured victory in the $100,000 (£78,000) Truman Homes Cup, just 0.01sec ahead of fellow Irish rider James Chawke on Grasshopper. DEUSSER ON FORM AT the CSI5*-W Verona, Italy, the World Cup qualifier went to Germany’s Daniel Deusser with Calisto Blue. In a 14-strong jump-off, Bertram Allen took fourth with a double clear on Molly Malone V. Ireland’s Michael G Duffy, 21, took top spot…

BSPS Olympia ridden M&M (J Hoyle, T Barron) Dart/Ex/Shet.— 1, S O’Sullivan’s Dykes Blackberry Mead; 2, M Richardson’s Dunkery Wigeon; 3, K Anderson Errington’s Shilstone Rocks Tornado. Welsh A/B.— 1, E Stead’s Waitwith Texas Star; 2, J Regan’s Eyarth Braveheart; 3, R Ford’s Coffeepot Buccaneer. C.— 1, J Whitworth’s Synod Ribbons; 2, H Harford’s Melyniog Storm Pilot; 3, M Hall’s Coathamdene Top Notch. D.— 1, L Baker’s Tireinon Defender; 2, M Elliott’s Abergavenny Yasmin; 3, D Holgate’s Howfeners Champagne Charlie. Connemara/NF.— 1 & ch, E Burton’s Banks Timber; 2, J Walsh’s Eastlands Dunkirk; 3, N Worthington French’s Inverin Paddy. Fell/Dales/Highland.— 1 & res, L Crayston’s Balmoral Merlin; 2, R Robert’s Wildhoeve Oki Doki; 3, V Casey’s Townend Stevie.…

THE National Hunt season has begun and is about to get very exciting. That’s been the hope for the past few weeks, anyway, but trainers have had the most frustrating autumn as there has been a huge shortage of rain. Rain means better and safer ground for our winter horses to run on. Yes, we are in desperate need of it to kick off the season properly. There was a brief glimpse of what was to come at Chepstow a couple of weeks ago, when the rain fell and there was some good jump racing. But since then, there has been hardly any, so trainers have been holding back running their horses. Cheltenham and Aintree watered heavily to produce safe ground and were rewarded with some cracking racing last weekend.…

A horse’s skin is the biggest organ in his body. It’s his major defence against moisture, dirt and parasites, so it’s not unusual to see problems occurring in winter. The prevalent wet weather we experience in the UK during the winter months inevitably increases the moisture content in the environment, and it’s these conditions that break down the oily protective layers on a horse’s skin, allowing bacteria to penetrate and breed. We also tend to use heavier, warmer rugs in the winter which can lead to sweating, again increasing the moisture level under the hair, leading to skin infections. Skin infections can be particularly painful and, if left untreated, can lead to secondary infections which can be hard to treat, so prevention is certainly better than cure. If your horse…