Innholdsfortegnelse for 21-Mar-2019 i Horse & Hound

ANNA ROSS raises some interesting points in her wonderful, inimitable style in this week’s issue (comment, p62). There is a growing divide between the actions of those who are happy to cause horses harm and those who unwittingly cause horses harm — with those like Anna sat in the middle baffled. She sums this up with the example of nosebands. Governing bodies have directives in place to ensure nosebands are not done up too tightly, as this would be against animal welfare. At the other end of the spectrum, there are riders barely doing their horses’ nosebands up at all — and subsequently putting greater pressure elsewhere in its mouth when they use the bit. Everything in moderation, surely. There appears to be no welfare concern in a noseband that…

JOINTS A rider hacking not long after having a baby was perturbed by a “clonking” noise, seemingly from her saddle. Concerned the tree was broken, she called the saddler, who confirmed it was fine — the noise was coming from her hip. “Phew,” the rider said. “At least the saddle’s OK.” We hear you. HUSBANDS Research appears to show that if an educational element is introduced, riders may spend 20% more time with their horses. Husbands everywhere are groaning, and housework mounting up — or might some husbands actually be pleased? ART Spotted, an enterprising online seller flogging a piece of “rustic home décor” for $125 (£94). And what is it, I hear you ask? It’s a fulmer snaffle, attached to a bit of wood by a couple of bent…

AFTER reading Tessa Waugh’s feature (Goodnight, 7 March), where she drove with the ramp down, I thought I would tell you of our experience. My husband and I were travelling back from a hunter trial. As we were driving down the M6, several vehicles flashed us, including one artic lorry that beeped continuously. We thought we must have cut him up, but couldn’t think how. We pulled in at the next services and he followed us, overtook and jumped out of his cab, shouting, “Your ramp has been down for the past few miles!” The pin inside the locking mechanism of the ramp had sheared off, and as we were travelling fairly quickly the ramp had stayed horizontal. It only rubbed on the tarmac as we pulled up, which meant…

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OUR season came to an abrupt end due to kennel cough. It was a rather sad way to end, without our normal Cheltenham Wednesday meet. It is always a fun day with many visiting masters and hunt staff as well as people from afar all joining in with the festivities of the greatest week of racing in the calendar. The whole area comes alive as thousands gather to watch the best England has to offer against the mighty Irish. A few years ago we were lucky enough to lead the Festival winners in. This long-standing tradition shows the bond that the racing and hunting community still holds. The feeling that you get as you ride down in front of the stands with the roar of the crowd cheering the winner…

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AI.— 1, Sandman 7 (Y Ingham) 28.7,0,5.2=33.9; 2, Shadow Evergreen (L Ritchie-Bland) 34.7,0,0=34.7; 3, Rehy DJ (Y Ingham) 33,0,3.6=36.6. OI sec S.— 1, Brookfield Inocent (P French) 23,0,0=23; 2, Mr Bass (L Collett) 22.5,0,4.8=27.3; 3, JL Dublin (N Wilson) 26.4,0,1.2=27.6. OI sec T.— 1, Ballaghmor Class (O Townend) 23.6,0,0=23.6; 2, Graf Cavalier (P French) 23.9,0,0=23.9; 3, Ringwood LB (S Berry) 28.2,1,0=29.2. OIu21.— 1, Royal Fury (H Coy) 24.3,0,2=26.3; 2, Halenza (H Coy) 30.5,0,0.4=30.9; 3, RLE French Clover (L Robinson) 33.6,0,0=33.6. int sec Q.— 1, Oughterard Cooley (W Oakden) 28.6,0,0=28.6; 2, Erano M (N Wilson) 28.4,0,5.2=33.6; 3, CMS Google (K Hall-Jackson) 30.5,0,7.2=37.7. int sec R.— 1, Arklow Puissance (O Townend) 33.6,0,0=33.6; 2, Monbeg By Design (S Berry) 32.1,0,3.2=35.3; 3, B Exclusive (L Baugh) 33.4,4,5.2=42.6. IN.— 1, Quinora (J Adams) 34.3,0,0=34.3; Oxmountain…

INVESTMENT IS WELL RECEIVED KEYSOE’S £750,000 investment in its infrastructure was well received. The venue announced the project last year, with money being spent on a refurbished indoor surface, new outdoor arenas and more stabling. Carl Hester thanked owner Simon Bates for the work he has put in to developing the venue. The new hospitality area was also launched and sold out on its first night. WINNING STREAK THE trio of wins for Mount St John VIP in the small tour took her unbeaten stretch to 11 consecutive wins. The mare has never scored less than 71%, has now won 36 out of her 44 starts and never finished lower than fourth. RAISING THE ROOF ULRIK MOLGAARD and Michigan’s (pictured, below) grand prix freestyle soundtrack raised the energy levels through…

DUCHY COLLEGE 9 March: prelim 13Q brnz.— 1, Every Cloud (D Pritchard) 65; 2, Gidcott Abigail (T Edwards) 65; 3, Pandora VI (C Morcom) 64.23. prelim 17A Q gold.— 1, Miss T Star (S Jones) 64.48. silv.— 1, Willy Wonker (B Taylor) 66.38; 3, Goldfrapp R (S Escrig) 62.07. brnz.— 1, Every Cloud 68.1; 2, Gilo’s Boy (O Godfrey) 64.48. nov 28 silv.— 1, Goldfrapp R 74.58; 2, Cwmduad Hale Bopp (H Hale) 69.58; 3, Vinisaurous (J Mackenzie) 67.5. brnz.— 1, Bourne On The Up (H Cobbold) 70.62; 2, Pallas Vanquish (S Dix) 68.54; 3, Willy Wonker 67.29. nov 39Q silv.— 1, Sir Donnerbling (V Hunton) 68.46; 2, CVS Back To Business (J Noyes) 66.54; 3, Cwmduad Hale Bopp 65.96. brnz.— 1, Bourne On The Top 65.19; 2, Pallas Vanquish…

Blackdyke Farm EC, Cumbria | Kingswood EC, Staffs Soraya Sparkling Bubbles (Lucky x Ex Libris) was bought through Ryan Shannon two years ago following a trip to the Netherlands. “Horses are my hobby and I didn’t want to over-horse myself,” explained Marita, who works as a florist. “I looked at a few horses over there and Soraya was the last I saw and I didn’t want to get off her.” With a full-time job, the horse fits in around work. “I’m lucky that I work from home, but riding is either early or late and the aim this year is the summer regionals,” added Marita. Lindsay McCallum won an elementary at Kingswood with eventer Harry Robinson, an 11-year-old by Laytender. The horse has evented up to advanced level but has…

BSPS Area 9B, Summerhouse EC, Glos THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Welsh section B Milford Fair Honeybee (Honey) topped the Royal International (RIHS) nursery stakes for a delighted Ila Wingrove, age eight, who was qualifying for the first time. The liver chestnut mare has been with the family for three-and-a-half years and is home-produced in Warwickshire. “Honey is just the perfect child’s pony,” said Ila’s grandmother Gill Callagham. “It’s a dream come true for Ila, she has to keep pinching herself.” Brooke Pickering is quickly establishing herself as one of the most consistent working hunter pony jockeys on the circuit. Here she continued her form, picking up the open RIHS title on the 143cm winner Seren Goch, who scored 20/20 for her jump round. Brook also qualified her 133cm ride Bronheulog Harvey. Olivia Minihane…

THE Cheltenham Festival is a spectacle for everybody to witness. We need to get behind jump racing because it’s a fantastic sport to be involved in. I haven’t seen emotions as high as those on the Thursday after Frodon and Paisley Park’s victories — it was a pleasure to experience. There are always stories to come out of the Festival and that’s the wonderful thing about the sport. You’ve had the Bradstocks winning a Gold Cup with Coneygree and it shows there’s still a chance for the little man to win a big race. We are a comparatively small yard and it’s difficult to compete with the big boys, so it was great for us to have our day in the sun with Croco Bay winning the Johnny Henderson Grand…

CHARGES for animal rescues may be introduced by a fire and rescue service, but experts warn this could put people and animals “at risk” if they do not call for help. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced it is looking at how it responds to incidents “to make sure firefighters get to where they are needed as quickly as possible” as part of the Making Surrey Safer Plan 2020-2023. Members of the public have until 26 May to give views on the plan, which proposes to recover costs from “non-emergencies” such as large animal rescues, to re-invest into the fire service. A spokesman for Surrey County Council said: “We will balance our statutory obligations to ensure we act ethically, humanitarianly and maintain our values and standards.” Jim Green is…

OUTSTANDING contributions within Scottish equestrianism have been recognised at the annual Horsescotland National Equestrian Awards, sponsored by the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). Some 300 guests attended the ceremony on 1 March, when top riders, coaches and volunteers were among those presented with awards by former National Hunt jockey Peter Scudamore MBE and RHASS chairman Allan J Murray. The lifetime achievement award went to David Blair and Tom Best of Waxwing Stud for their “continued passion and dedication” to the world of breeding, while Scott Brash’s ride Ursula XII, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, received the board’s special recognition. The other winners included: Lindores Equestrian — equestrian business of the year; Jamie Turnbull — employee; Sean Henderson — youth coach of the year; Jennifer Burnett —…

SAFETY WEEK TO RETURN IN APRIL RIDER safety will be in the spotlight as the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) safety week returns from 27 April to 5 May. The aim is to encourage riders to visit participating BETA retailers for reliable advice and to get hats and body protectors checked. BETA executive director Claire Williams said : “We know there are other awareness-raising initiatives highlighting rider safety, but our campaign focuses clearly and effectively on the importance of a safety garment’s provenance, fit, correct fastening and appropriate safety standards.” AUTHORITES TO REVIEW FESTIVAL THE British Horseracing Authority (BHA) says all racing incidents at the Cheltenham Festival will undergo a “rigorous process of review and evaluation”. BHA chief executive Nick Rust thanked trainers, jockeys and vets for their collaboration and…

Jockey Noel Fehily has announced his retirement aged 43 after winning the mares’ novices’ hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on the Willie Mullins-trained Eglantine Du Seuil. Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze has returned to international competition after a break for health reasons. He rode Fine Lady 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival on 13 March. Kiwi eventer Jonelle Price has been crowned Equestrian Sport New Zealand rider of the year. Jonelle was the first New Zealand woman to win Badminton, on Classic Moet in 2018. Jockey Bryony Frost has made history as the first female jockey to win a Grade One race at the Cheltenham Festival. Bryony won the Ryanair chase on the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon. Showjumper Amanda Derbyshire won the CSI3* grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington…

INSURANCE broker SEIB’s top five percentage of claims in 2018 were for external accident and trauma, at 17.74%; tendons and ligaments, 12.6%; arthritis, 10.55%; ulcers, 7.91%; with colic completing the list at 4.82%. SEIB marketing manager Nicolina Mackenzie told H&H during the past two years most claims with the insurer have been for accident and injury, not disease or sickness “as many people assume”. “The average claim was £1,519 in 2018 for external accidents and trauma including kicks, cuts, wounds and fractures. The average value was £1,518 in 2017 so the cost has remained quite static,” she said. Colic moved into the top five in 2018, overtaking multi-site lameness which came fifth on the list in 2017. “The average claim for colic and digestive conditions was £2,686.91 in 2018. In…

HE was a foal called Gary who was bred for dressage, nearly died, was kidnapped for eventing — and has qualified for the Pan Am Games. Dressage rider Anna Ross named her foal after rider Gary Williams, who donated semen from his stallion Showmaker after Anna allowed him to swap slots at a show. The colt, Starbucks, who suffered a serious infection after weaning, later “made it clear he didn’t really like dressage”. When Brazilian Marcelo Tosi tried a saddle of Anna’s, he and Gary “fell in love”. The ride is shared by Sarah Bullimore (pictured) and Marcelo, who rode Gary to win a CCI3*-L (formerly CCI2*) on 6 March. Anna told H&H Gary’s story was “born entirely of goodwill”. “Sarah’s done fantastically, and now he’s qualified for the Pan…

“REST days are vital,” says showjumper William Whitaker. “Each of our horses has a tailor-made plan, taking into account factors such as his temperament, previous injuries, shows done that season and upcoming competitions. “Take a horse who has jumped a grand prix on the Sunday and has no competition the week after — I would ride him lightly on the Monday, to check that he is looking and feeling himself, and do the same on the Tuesday before giving him a full day off in the field on the Wednesday,” adds William. “We try to give the horses as much time as possible out in the field or grazing in-hand.” Eventer Harry Meade says: “I take the approach that as the intensity of a horse’s work goes up, the frequency…

CRAIG ELENOR BASED near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, Craig has been showing for around 30 years. With his partner Sara Parrott, he produces show horses and ponies for in-hand, ridden and lead-rein sections at top level, as well as holding popular in-hand showing clinics. TRAINING THE STARS WE once had a lovely filly — I won’t name her because she’s now a successful ridden pony — who would not stand. She had qualified for the Cuddy final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), so I took her to the scariest thing I could think of: a cattle shed. She was petrified but soon realised there was nothing to fear. At HOYS, she stood like a rock.…

GEMMA has taken over the ride on the 11-year-old chestnut mare Jalapeno this season. Owned and bred by Chris and Lisa Stone, she is the first offspring of their Badminton-winning stallion Chilli Morning and, until this season, was competed in Belgium by Karin Donckers. “Chris and Lisa are very grateful to Karin for everything she has done, but they rarely got to see Jalapeno, which is important to them — they love seeing their horses,” explains Gemma. “It was a hard decision, but in the end they decided they’d like to have the mare at home. “She’s a lovely horse and has been beautifully produced. She’s kind and a poppet in the stable. I need to get her thinking my way in the showjumping — that’s her weakest phase —…

• Zara Tindall finished second at Burghley in 2003 with Toytown (pictured) to Pippa Funnell, who was completing the Rolex Grand Slam on Primmore’s Pride. • Thibault Fournier became Pau CCI4*’s youngest winner, riding Siniani De Lathus on the pair’s four-star debut in 2018. • Michael Jung also won his first four-star, at Luhmühlen 2009 on the great La Biosthetique-Sam FBW. • Jane Holderness-Roddam (Our Nobby) and Lucinda Green (Be Fair) finished fifth at their first Badmintons in 1967 and 1972 respectively, before winning a year later.…

Wynnstay, Halterburn, Northumbs CLOSING meets are always poignant events, even more so when marking the end of an era that is synonymous with the retirement of a long-serving master or huntsman. For Richard Tyacke MFH, who on 1 May steps down from a long and glittering career with the hard-riding Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s (Wynnstay), the occasion was a long way from his stomping ground in the Welsh borders. He had not planned an invitation meet in the College Valley and North Northumberland (CV&NN) country for his last day hunting the Wynnstay hounds, but was determined to keep an appointment in wild hill country that had already been postponed twice due to bad weather. Like many successful past and present amateur huntsmen, Richard’s career began with the Stowe Beagles as…

MANY great horses are one-person rides, but some become real family favourites, such as Creative Time of the Holderness. Bought from Henrietta Knight for Harriet Bethell to point-to-point, he went on to carry Harriet’s father, joint-master William, for 10 seasons. “I’ve had lots of great horses over a long career,” says William, “but this one is more personal because he’s carried all of us.” As Harriet’s schoolmaster, Creative Time did manage to win the members’ race after a few disappointing runs, but his greatest success was aged 13, when he was a “shock winner at 66-1”. Unfortunately, the family hadn’t put any money on because “we had another horse in the race we fancied more!” When he retired to hunting, Creative Time, known variously as Moose, Mr Moose or, at…

Lincolnshire, Lincs REIGNING British national young rider champion Yasmin Ingham was the on-form rider in the advanced intermediate, finishing first and third with Janette Chinn and Sue Davies’ Sandman 7 and Rehy DJ. The duo sandwiched Laura Ritchie-Bland and Shadow Evergreen, whose dressage completion score of 34.7 was good enough for second place. “A result like that is very unexpected at this stage in the season, although both horses felt on top form and they’ve given me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season,” said Yasmin. Yasmin, who trains with Silvia Schorn, Chris Bartle and Andrew Heffernan, hopes to take the pair to Bramham this spring to contest the under-25 CCI4*-L (previously CCI3*) and admitted she has been working hard over the winter on the first phase.…

WE are used to eventing being held up as a rare sport in which men and women compete on equal terms, but last week at Cheltenham, where my husband David and I were invited by the Jockey Club, showed that competent female jockeys can no longer be viewed as a novelty. They may be in the minority, but Rachael Blackmore, who rode a double and could become Ireland’s first female champion jockey, Lizzie Kelly, Page Fuller, Bridget Andrews and Bryony Frost were all in demand with multiple rides for leading trainers. Bryony, who is from my home county (she’s also a surfer and a hillwalker), is so beautifully balanced and sympathetic — she seems to have modelled herself on Ruby Walsh in the way she gets horses to respond to…

THE scores were up but the numbers down in the gold sections at the recent winter regionals, with the exception of Wellington where fabulous facilities attracted large fields. Is it the “Charlotte factor”? For aspiring international combinations, regular opportunities to compete against the champion are a great opportunity to measure progress. For others, it’s an anticlimax to enter classes they feel they have no chance to win and they will look elsewhere. Back in “Ye Olden Times”, we all competed in the same group and were allocated our regional championship in our area, which made class numbers more even. The current wild card system is better as the highest scorers get through, but seven horses in a gold section doesn’t make for an exciting atmosphere. Perhaps some international riders contesting…

Morris EC, Ayrshire The Don Tango six-year-old had a brace of novice silver wins at Morris EC, including posting 75.56% in a summer qualifier. “I was absolutely thrilled — he felt so much more confident and stayed with me throughout the tests,” said Elizabeth. “At the regionals, Charlie Hutton helped us immensely with a warm-up plan and while he felt super in the warm-up, unfortunately the judge’s hut caused some spookiness. However, we still earned a respectable score and got super comments from all judges. “But the plan really paid off this weekend and it got his attention and focus on me. I’m planning to aim him at novice summer regionals, and he’ll take a step up to elementary soon, possibly aiming at Area Festivals.” Nicola Gillespie Crolla also enjoyed…

KEYSOE, BEDS 9 March: prelim 15Q silv (A Darken).— 1, Cassanova King (K Wallett) 66.8; 2, Jim Murphy (S Williams) 65.4; 3, Llanstephan Merlyn (E Smith) 61.6. prelim 17Q silv.— 1, Jim Murphy 69; 2, Cassanova King 68.4; 3, Llanstephan Merlyn 65.3. nov 23 gold.— 1, Dubel Colours (A Brown) 69. silv.— 1, Hamberlins Pwala (S Dobson) 60.6. nov 37Q silv.— 1, Heredero ER (A Gramlick) 65.9; 2, Hamberlins Pwala 56.5. elem 43 silv.— 1, Wincent (N Gamblin) 68.8; 2, Charlie Clover (A Durso) 66; 3eq, Goldbay V (E Slater) & Glucksbringer (M Sampson) 61.6. brnz.— 1, Jackpots Forsetti (B Young) 68.3; 2, Heredero ER 65.2. elem 57Q silv.— 1, Wincent 70; 2, Glucksbringer 63; 3, Charlie Clover 62.7. med 73 silv.— 1, Buntino (K Branley) 66.3. adv med 92…

Bury Farm 148cm Premier, Bucks PONY riders arrived in good numbers at this final 148cm premier show of the indoor season, which hosted the last chances to qualify for the winter JA and JC finals. There were plenty of terrific rounds, but none better than the one from Toby Fry, who headed the opening day’s winter JA qualifier by more than 10 seconds on Zucan V. Wiltshire-based Toby and his pony are both 14 and jumped in the newcomers and Foxhunter finals at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year. They had spent the winter chasing that elusive ticket in their first JA season. The pressure was off, as Toby knew they had qualified before they came in from final draw in round three. The handbrake came off and…

90cm.— 1, Caher Silver (T Kyle); 2, Real Cool Dude (S Proudley); 3, Dimples Dilema (H Gerken). 11yo & under.— 1eq, 10 tied. Graham Heath Equestrian 128/138cm h’cap.— 1&3, Lissduff Royal & Playboy Van De Zoetewei (T Kyle); 2, Drumaclan Flight (T Squibb). winter 128cm 2nd rnd.— 1, Sparkel III (N von Bulow); 2, Living The Dream (T Kyle); 3, Whinney Lass (I Rogers). winter 138cm 2nd rnd.— 1, Buttons Two (R Proudley); 2, Playboy Van De Zoetewei; 3, Oakhurst In The Spotlight (C McGowan). BS 128/138cm h’cap special.— 1, Caher Silver; 2, Dun N Dust It (L Davies); 3, Jessie Mae Harmony (C Huckvale). 70cm.— 1, JJ IV (B Tabernor); 2, Jack XX (K Bradburne); 3, Lambay Off Boardway (L Ramaci). stepping stones 128/138cm h’cap.— 1 eq, 18 tied.…

THIS time of year is always testing for equestrians. Look at the weather; we’ve already been thrown everything. With the young horses, it can feel like two steps forward and three steps back. You can start to make headway and then it’s back to square one. We have been so grateful to have the use of the fantastic facilities at the local indoor school so we can train in the bad weather. It has been invaluable in allowing us to keep moving forwards. SOMETHING FOR THE YOUNGSTERS IT was a real shame that the new “High Flyers” show was cancelled. It was an event we were looking forward to, as a showcase for some of our new novices, but in reality, it would have been a gamble as to whether…

NOWHERE could the Cheltenham Festival atmosphere be replicated. It is magical, infectious and electric. To be part of the special occasion is an indescribable experience — it raises the hairs on the back of one’s neck. There were a number of stand-out stories this year and, horses aside, many top performances from brave jockeys. Noel Fehily, 43, announced after his win on Eglantine Du Seuil that he would be retiring from the saddle. It was a poignant moment and he will be missed by racing fans. Nico de Boinville’s unflappable approach to race-riding is admirable. His patient, yet skilful, ride in the Champion Chase on the mighty Altior was superb. WORTHY WINNER THE Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup was deservedly won by Willie Mullins, who had come close in the feature…

THE 2018 Grand National hero, Tiger Roll, is the most amazing little horse. For most National winners, it is downhill all the way after the big race. But he has not only won a Graded race over hurdles, he made it a total of four Festival wins when running away with the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase — coming home 22 lengths clear. The win even brought a tear to the eye of owner Michael O’Leary, who said afterwards he was in two minds about sending him back to Aintree. “This was his Gold Cup,” he said. “I really worry about sending him back [to the National]. He’s up 9lbs in the ratings and he only just scrambled home. I’m more worried about minding him now — he owes us nothing. I’m…

Intermediate (speed).— 1, Fox Grant Thrusters I (W Grant, Y Goss, P Nicholls) 4.40; 2, Fox Grant Thrusters II (H Moodie, W Grant, C Shuckburgh, N Meek) 4.42; 3, Team Ride-Away II (S Andrews, J Stevenson, C Alexander, T Prest) 4.43. Intermediate (bogey).—1, Hebden Honeys (L Hibbard, S Kellard Smith, S Godwin); 2, Ludlow Lunatics (K Hingley, A Moss, G Hingley); 3, Blackmore Vale Team A (L Murray, M Breslin, R Cameron, I Scott). Novice (bogey).— 1, Rug Revival (E Hitchman, J Mitchell, B Stevens, J Saunders); 2, Chilled Out Chasers (L Gooding, J Peacock, L Bool, A Burson); 3, Tedworth Tearaways (F Birkmyre, A Smith, T Jones).…

THE concluding open maiden saw a first win for trainer Hannah Clarke, since she started training horses three years ago. Seven-year-old Shanoule Wood had placed form last season but hadn’t quite been finishing his races. “I knew he had ability,” said Hannah. “We thought there must be something stopping him, so he had a wind operation and it’s obviously worked. He’s shown us what we always thought he was capable of.” The win was made even better by Shanoule Wood being ridden by Hannah’s partner, Charlie Marshall. “Having Charlie on him was the best — it couldn’t have been any better,” she added.…

MEDALLISTS from last year’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) head up the entry list for this year’s Badminton (1-5 May). Three riders from Britain’s gold medal-winning team will take part, with Tom McEwen and Gemma Tattersall riding their WEG horses Toledo De Kerser and Arctic Soul. Gemma also has Pamero 4 in the mix, while Piggy French brings forward the former Burghley runner-up Vanir Kamira. Their team-mate, individual world champion Ros Canter, is not competing because she is pregnant, but she will assess the cross-country course for H&H’s Badminton preview (25 April). Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy will line up on his double WEG silver medallist Mr Chunky, as will the pair who won world individual bronze, Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. New Zealand’s Jonelle Price defends her title with…

PACHA DU POLDER The hunter chasing star has retired aged 12 after pulling up in the Cheltenham Foxhunter. Most recently trained by Paul Nicholls, he won the “amateur gold cup” with Bryony Frost in 2017 and Harriet Tucker in 2018. ARCTIC SOUL The World Equestrian Games team gold medallist started his 2019 season in the open intermediate at Lincolnshire on 15 March. “Spike” and Gemma Tattersall posted a 26.6 dressage and jumped a steady double clear. NIP TUCK The European, world and Olympic silver medal-winner returned to competition with Carl Hester at Keysoe CDI (15-17 March) following an 18-month break. The pair won both the grand prix and the freestyle (report, p60).…

MY WHIRLWIND The four-year-old topped the Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale and is the highest-priced point-to-point mare on record. She was sold by Patrick Turley of Kingsfield Stud to Nicky Henderson for £400,000. CALICO JOE The former CCI4* (now CCI5*-L) eventer enjoyed his first British Eventing class since Badminton 2015 at Swalcliffe Park on 17 March. Ridden by Harry Rugman, the 17-year-old took eighth in the under-18 BE100open. CORNADO NRW Marcus Ehning’s elite ride returned to competition at the Dutch Masters (12-15 March) following an operation to remove one eye. The stallion last competed at Spruce Meadows in September 2018.…

BIRDS For any readers who did not see it, Elite Stallions’ advert in last week’s sport horse breeding special edition of H&H read, ahem: “The early bird catches the sperm”. Not entirely accurate, perhaps, in avian terms, but superb work, we feel. FENCING Overheard at the yard, a Muggle 14-year-old boy looking askance at his aunt, who was all set to mend a broken section of fencing with baler twine. “That will never work,” he scoffed. Watch and learn, young man. Watch and learn. TRAINERS Race-riding is of course the ultimate test of fitness for horse and rider — and trainer, it appears. As Paul Nicholls watched Bryony Frost and Frodon take the Ryanair at Cheltenham, he leaped off the floor high enough to clear Becher’s, let alone the Festival…

DIANA’S cutaway hunting coat was, as she likes to remind people, made for her for her 21st birthday. That makes it more than 50 years old — she’s less keen on passing on that fact — but it still fits her long, lean body like a glove and looks wonderful. Accessorised with a hunting cap — no unflattering chin straps for Diana — and scarlet lipstick, she’s a relic of a more elegant, less safety-conscious, totally un-PC era. She has cut a dash on the hunting field in more ways than one for decades — her affairs were numerous and legendary — and clearly has no intention of stopping; she’s just bought a four-year-old from Ireland. She makes “the young” feel rather boring and virtuous — she’s definitely had more…

SITTING in the shade of the palm trees watching a class at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Florida, William Whitaker is a long way from home. About 4,200 miles, to be precise. But there’s no mistaking his origins — his accent is pure Yorkshire. You can take the boy out of Huddersfield, but you can’t take Huddersfield out of the boy. William, 29, is the Whitaker of the moment, thanks to a World Cup qualifier win at Olympia last December. And he does Britain’s most famous showjumping family proud. He’s a quiet, precise rider, efficient without being showy or rough, and a polite, helpful interviewee. He’s naturally understated, but strives to please. As we chat, we are watching a national speed class in which William was one of the first…

Craig’s secret weapon — I use a bungee rein (pictured) to keep the in-handers straight. The bungee rein runs from the side ring on the lungeing roller to the bit then back to the wither. The animals are not fixed and work out their natural carriage. I hate seeing horses overbent. I don’t do a massive amount of schooling and I prefer them to wear the minimum of tack. I work my horses in a Parelli halter. Once they feel that pressure they go with it, without resisting it too much. I use both these tools when and if they are needed. We cross-tie the horses on the yard for grooming; it’s an everyday thing, but it makes them stand still. Don’t spend hours drilling these things into a horse…

Keysoe CDI, Beds DRESSAGE royalty Nip Tuck made a phenomenal return to competition after a 18-month absence to win both the grand prix and the freestyle with Carl Hester. The pair scored 74.46% in Friday’s grand prix, pipping Charlotte Dujardin and Erlentanz (Erly) into second. The 15-year-old Don Ruto son’s CV boasts a World Equestrian Games, two Europeans, an Olympics and a World Cup Final, along with a host of medals and major international wins. But after a busy few years of international competition, Carl and co-owner Jane de la Mare decided to give him a break. “It is wonderful to have him back,” said Carl.“It has been like riding a five-year-old the last two days, not a 15-year-old. That’s why we brought him, because he absolutely loves doing this.”…

15 March: GP (M Robins, M Ringmark, C Halsall, R Saleh, N Burton).— 1, Nip Tuck (C Hester) GBR 74.46; 2, Erlentanz (C Dujardin) GBR 73.41; 3, Fidelio Van Het Bloemenhof (A Dahl) DEN 72.98. PSG (M Robins, S Trimborne, S Pidgley, N Burton, R Saleh).— 1, Mount St John VIP (C Dujardin) 76.94; 2, Florina 146 (A Dahl) 72.06; 3, Alicante Valley (J Dunn) GBR 70.41. YR team (K Myre, O Smeets, S Pidgley).— 1, Bon Jovi (R Swain) GBR 68.73; 2, Sabatini (C Dicker) GBR 68.53; 3, Uvender V (A Hellings) GBR 68.43. jnr team (O Smeets, B Ardu, K Myre).— 1, Disneyland (O Wrennall) GBR 68.64; 2, Chocotof (C Burgess) GBR 68.38; 3, Winnetou G.E.P (C Hole) GBR 68.23. pony team (B Ardu, K Myre, O Smeets).—…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 10 March: prelim 13Q gold (J Surr).— 1, Woodcroft Juliquina (R Anand) 54.43. silv.— 1, Qiblah Me (D Baylis) 70.77; 2, Benhill Tanqueray (R West) 64.04. brnz.— 1, Brego Del Iyuptala (J Martyn) 64.42; 2, Chase Me Charlie (P Diane) 64.42; 3, Bochym Royal Cassidy (M Caldecott) 62.5. prelim 17Q gold (M Philpott).— 1, Sir Oskar II (C Princz) 71.72; 2, Woodcroft Juliquina 63.45. silv.— 1, Qiblah Me 65.17. brnz.— 1, Bochym Royal Cassidy 64.14. nov 27 gold (J Surr).— 1, Hawtins Lirica (L Elliott) 76.43; 2, Hawtins Fianello (B Goodwin) 71.79; 3, Damon’s Pride (C Robson) 67.5. silv.— 1, Wasara (D Brown) 69.64; 2, Easy Does It (D Davis) 69.29; 3, Mohurry Casting King (H Smith) 67.86. brnz.— 1, Garvie Bay (L Taylor) 67.86; 2, Bobbie Dazzler…

BURY FARM 4 March: med 61 gold (E Mackie).— 1, Faberge Egg (E Johnson) 69.14. brnz.— 1, Kayla Beech (M Nagele) 66.72; 2, Cullawn My Way (J Luff) 62.41. med 73 Q gold.— 1, Faberge Egg 68.53. silv.— 1, Ardie (S Sheridan) 69.85; 2, Singing Skyjacker (C Knowles) 69.85. adv med 85 silv.— 1, Zaffira (A Emanuel) 70.15; 2, Egalina De Luxe (C Wren) 69.41; 3, Calimero J (A Weir) 63.82. brnz.— 1, Zyrano (A Cahill) 68.68; 2, Ardie 65.74; 3, Glamis Faerie Legend (N North) 59.85. adv med 92 Q silv.— 1, Egalina De Luxe 72.16; 2, Corona S (C Knowles) 65.81. brnz.— 1, Glamis Faerie Legend 56.49. PYO adv brnz (A Darken).— 1, Crazy LA’s Baby (P Lock) 61.03. PSG Q gold.— 1, Nazareno Vicon (R Waine) 73.68;…

16 March: Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Sam 003 (A Tucker); 2, Ballinaclough Ice (F Nash); 3, Madam Clover Q (E Quigley). pony 1m.— 1, Laraghmore Martin (C Beldom); 2, Forlan (O Sponer); 3, Ballykeelaune Euro (I Piper-Dadswell). Blue Chip Pro sparkle JC/JA.— 1, Mighty Mouse W Van De Dauwhoeve (J Burchmore-Eames); 2, Beech Comber (H Cooper); 3, Major Obos (A Vernon). Charles Britton winter JA.— 1, Zucan V (T Fry); 2, Dun The Business III (G Wareham); 3, Epapke (A Weightman). winter JC.— 1, Strawberry Rojo (I Goddard); 2, Valentino Supreme (H Cooper); 3, Kingsley II (D Williams). pony Foxhunter/1.10m.— 1, Carramore Dot Com (F Mellor); 2, Carravilla Boy (C Jorritsma); 3, Jumping Charlie V (E Ward). 17 March: Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Pat C Girl (M Davies);…

A FEW years ago, Ludo Philippaerts lobbied the FEI to get the age at which riders can compete in three- to five-star grands prix lowered from 18 to 17. The rule was holding back Ludo’s extremely talented sons, Nicola and Olivier, at an age when they were more than capable. The FEI wouldn’t budge. I thought then, and still do, that they’re wrong. I’ve seen more bad accidents in speed classes than I ever have over big jumps that now have collapsible back cups. In fact, the most nervous I get watching showjumping is for kids on 128cm ponies. The public love it, but sometimes I just have to shut my eyes! Here in Vilamoura, my son Olli, who’s in his 16th year, can now ride in ranking classes. In…

CSI5* Dutch Masters, Brabanthallen, the Netherlands SWEDEN’S Henrik von Eckermann could now be bidding for the Rolex Grand Slam after winning the Dutch leg of the series with the multi-winning mare Toveks Mary Lou. In a five-way jump-off, the only other double clear came from second-placed Steve Guerdat riding Albfuehren’s Bianca, less than a second slower. The final podium spot went to four-faulter Peder Fredricson (H&M Christian K). “I knew that Steve was very fast as he had knocked three seconds off Daniel Deusser’s time, so I thought to myself, ‘I need to hurry up!’” said Henrik. “Mary Lou always performs so well, it’s like she thinks, ‘OK, it’s the big day and I need to be the best I can.’” The next stop in the series is the CHIO…

The Festival presented by Magners, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos WILLIE MULLINS finally corrected one of the biggest anomalies in jump racing when, having previously saddled six seconds in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Festival’s most successful trainer sent out Al Boum Photo to win the sport’s blue riband, sponsored by Magners. It was his 65th winner at the meeting. Mullins fielded four of the 16 starters but his squad was reduced before they had gone a mile and a half, with Kemboy unseating at the first, Bellshill pulled up after the eighth and Invitation Only fatally injured at the 10th, bringing down Definitly Red. “I was just thinking, ‘Another year of disappointment,’” reflected Mullins on his thoughts at halfway. But Al Boum Photo was travelling well in a pocket just behind…

“I still do a bit of farriery because it’s the only way to make it pay. You need 145 horses otherwise. The game is full of talented trainers and better trainers than me.” • Gavin Cromwell after winning the Champion Hurdle with Espoir D’Allen “It’s a young man’s game and it’s time to let the lads get on with it. I’ve enjoyed every minute but I suppose I’ll have to get a job.” • Noel Fehily after winning the Tattersalls Mares’ Novice Hurdle on Eglantine Du Seuil and announcing his forthcoming retirement “I texted Clifford Baker [Paul Nicholls’ head lad] to see how Frodon is this morning [after the race] and he is A1. He was squealing going down to the walker, so he’s King Kong in Ditcheat this morning…

Beaufort, Manor Farm, Wilts CANCELLED at the 11th hour in 2018 due to snow, this was a triumphant return to hosting the sport for the Beaufort, with the track at Manor Farm, Sherston, featuring the region’s distinctive stone walls. Trailblazers Fox Grant Thrusters I were not slowed down by the solid obstacles. Flat to the boards from the off with Yvonne Goss and Jaffa at the helm, they flew through the twisty early section, hurtled into the pen and went around the switchback at the top of the course like scalded cats. Phil Nichols and Will Grant stuck to their leader closely, although Will had to sit tight at the big hedge in the centre of the course. But then it was a quick pop over a drop wall to…

Crawley & Horsham, Parham, W Sussex FEARS of strong winds didn’t stop runners turning out in force at Parham. Despite some fierce competition in the opening hunt members’ race, trainer Nigel Benstead sent out his first winner for 10 years as Thomas Junior stayed on strongly to win under Phil York. “It’s taken a long time, but we’ve got there in the end,” said Nigel. “To be honest, when I saw the declarations, I thought we’d come fourth. It’s a lovely surprise — I’m a happy man and the reception we’ve received has been fantastic.” One of the local area’s leading horses, Indian Chance, continued his progression in the club members’ race. Sent off the marginal favourite over the 14-year-old Rigadin De Beauchene, Indian Chance was coolly ridden by Jack…

HURWORTH, HUTTON RUDBY Saturday, 16 March Members.— 1, P Greaves’ Neville Woods (P Greaves) P Greaves. restricted.— 1, The Gold and Silver Club’s Mr Muldoon (J Wright) J O’Shea. ladies’ open.— 1, S Barker’s Iron Chancellor (J Bedi) J Bedi. men’s open.— 1, C Brewer, E Hartley & R Hodd’s Ravished (J Wright) G Brewer. confined.— 1, J Kibble & J Younger’s Snow Castle (J Dawson) G Brewer. open maiden.— 1, The Father & Daughter Partnership’s Impulsive Act (P Armson) R Tate. CRAWLEY & HORSHAM, PARHAM Saturday, 16 March  Hunt members.— 1, N Benstead’s Thomas Junior (P York) N Benstead. restricted.— 1, Mr & Mrs R Wilson, H Mumford, S Smith and K Loads’ Classico Dais (G Ellis) T Ellis. Timico mixed open.— 1, N Padfield’s Excitable Island (G Ellis)…