Innholdsfortegnelse for 06-Aug-2020 i Horse & Hound

IT is perhaps unsurprising that Eric Lamaze has shared his experience of riders not taking responsibility for their actions at a show in Belgium (news, p4), and that we hear reports of failures to adhere fully to rules established to limit the spread of coronavirus. Why would all riders behave differently to society as a whole? I stood behind someone in a shop on Sunday who wore their face mask until getting to the till, at which point they took it off to talk to the shopkeeper, who backed away but felt unable to ask them to replace it. It’s good that a rider as respected as Eric has made the point that if we are not careful we could all find ourselves just riding at home again. As we…

DRUGS A man has been arrested after a police chase involving a horsebox and suspicions of driving under the influence of illegal substances. Maybe they thought there was a drugs mule on board? SHOUTING Many showjumpers seem to be in favour of the new rules, especially those who go to shows on their own. Also pleased are countless other halves, who don’t have to put fences up, and she who added: “It’s brilliant, my dad can’t shout at me in the warm-up now!” Every cloud. ROLLING A foal has achieved online fame owing to videos showing his not quite being able to work out how to roll, and getting cross about it, despite a helpful human demonstrating in a sandpit. Owners of greys everywhere are looking on wistfully...…

THE international dressage community breathed a huge, collective sigh of relief when we saw the first Instagram posts made by 22-year-old Spanish team rider Juan Matute Guimón, who suffered a brain bleed in early May. I have been following his recovery in absolute awe. Seeing someone so young embark on this journey of recovery with such positivity and poise is quite remarkable and inspirational. I wish him the absolute best in his fight to come back. In a comeback of a different kind, Isabel Werth recently competed her World Cup champion Weihegold OLD at Achleiten CDI after quite a long break and scored 81%. Isabell’s team-mate Jessica von Bredow Werndl was also out competing recently, posting big scores in Hagen. The Germans once again look untouchable and are able to…

At the British Racing School, we train and assess young jockeys for amateur and professional licences. The curriculum has evolved to include sports science, substance abuse, race-day procedures, simulator sessions, studying form, diet, nutrition, and cooking over two weeks. We’re trying to promote jockeys seeing themselves as professional athletes. Simon Milton is a former footballer who lectures here about making the most of your career. He says athletes should only fail in professional sport through lack of ability – rather than not being fit enough or under-prepared. My simulator isn’t motorised or spring-loaded; every forward and back movement is from your push. I’ve taken away everything you can balance on other than stirrups. You learn to be so balanced you’re not compromising the horse. I raced in Saudi Arabia one…

GRAZING muzzles have been shown to reduce grass intake by 50 to 80%, depending on the individual and the length of the grass. They enable bonded ponies to live together and interact socially, and allow more exercise than that afforded by a restricted grazing area. Not every pony will accept a muzzle, however, or learn how to use it. Correct fitting and training are important. Use a muzzle with protective padding, ideally, showing the pony he can still eat and drink by pushing grass through the muzzle openings. Ensure there is a gap of 2.5cm between the end of the muzzle and the pony’s teeth, and at least 2-3 fingers’ space around the sides to allow chewing. Do not leave the muzzle on for more than 10 to 12 hours…

• Organisers are extending leases as necessary on 41 venues, and the handover of the Athletes’ Village – which is being converted to luxury apartment conversions – to private owners is being deferred. • Sports federations report that Japanese hotel chains and the like have been exemplary about deferring contracts to next year, usually with no rearrangement fees. • Cross-country fences are being brought in from the Sea Forest course to protect them from the weather. • Storage is being arranged both in Japan and overseas for key pieces of equestrian kit, ranging from championship showjumps to horse ambulances. • The picture is not yet clear how many international volunteers for the equestrian events hope to attend next year instead.…

AFTER both suffered serious injuries when hit by a car in 2016, Jodie Elliott and Anakin successfully returned to competition and jumped numerous clear rounds at Bury Farm’s three-day show. The 15-year-old gelding sustained a fractured hind leg in the accident; Jodie was left with a broken hip, pelvis and elbow. “Anakin wasn’t happy just living in the field, so I tried hacking him last summer and he felt really good,” commented Jodie, who runs a hunter and livery yard in East Yorkshire with her aunt. “He’ll never be able to do too much and I’m being careful, but I can’t believe I have him back again.”…

Chard Equestrian, Somerset CHLOE REYNOLDS finished a rainy weekend at the British Showjumping Area 48 show at Chard in style by taking the top two places in the 1.30/1.40m handicap with Grenadier Volo and Quantify. Chard is the most local venue for Somerset-based Chloe, who celebrated her 22nd birthday a week before this show. “We used to live beside the showground and we’re still only 45 minutes away,” she said. Both horses have been star rides for Chloe and have taken her to many major finals. Grenadier Volo, the 2017 national six-year-old champion, was bought from Nick Benterman as a three-year-old. “We were on our way home from Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] with our ponies; I saw a video of him and bought him straight away. We didn’t…

“I couldn’t be prouder”VERITY SAUL ON HER NIECE INDIA ROSE DURMAN-MILLS Witham Villa RC, Leics IN a productive day, India Rose Durman-Mills notched up six winning tests. India, 16, rode her own six-year-old Irish Sport Horse Killinure Hero at novice and in his first elementary. She then qualified seven-year-old KWPN mare Issey Magic WH for the medium silver regionals, and won both advanced mediums with Verity Saul’s Jazz gelding Escade. “I’ve been training India for a long time and couldn’t be prouder,” said Verity of her niece, who scored 79.87% in the advanced medium 98. “She has never competed at that level, nor with Escade, but she has learned so much from him.” HAVE YOU WON A BD CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email dressagehighlights@yahoo.com…

KEEPING safe at shows is a joint responsibility riders are reminded, following concerns about protocols at international events. Canadian rider Eric Lamaze raised issues on 24 July about a show he had been at in Lier, Belgium. He was disappointed by the low number of riders wearing masks while course-walking, adding it is the responsibility of riders and “especially” organisers and FEI to take precautions. “Riders have the most contact with other people and therefore should absolutely be wearing masks,” he said. “I understand everybody has the freedom to make that choice but why not take all the best precautions to stay safe and healthy so the sport we love will be able to go on without any incidents or issues? “If we are not careful, we will soon be…

A NEW indoor championship will run at Aintree Equestrian Centre. National finals that would have run at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the British Showjumping (BS) National Championships will be staged at Aintree from 7 to 11 October. BS had said it would try to hold such a show after HOYS announced its cancellation owing to Covid-19. Aintree Equestrian Centre manager Carly Sage told H&H the team is “absolutely thrilled”. The Aintree team is experienced in running major events, including the BS amateur and veteran championships, and Ms Sage said she wants to provide the same championship feel. “We really try to make it special for competitors and they get behind it and love it; that’s something I really want to replicate,” she said. The event will…

GOVERNMENT “NO” TO PET THEFT CALL THE Government has rejected calls to make pet theft a specific offence. In June, the House of Commons petitions committee asked for the law to be amended to create a new offence of pet theft, with an appropriate sentencing range to reflect the impact it has on owners (news, 2 July). The Government has now said it “fully understands the deep distress” caused by the theft of a pet, but that stealing is already a crime under the Theft Act, with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. The petitions committee will debate the topic in parliament this autumn. BURGHLEY YOUNG HORSE ONLINE THE Burghley Young Event Horse Series 2020 will run as an online competition open across the world. The event is open…

American eventer Buck Davidson has undergone surgery after he was kicked in the face by a horse. Buck said the surgery went “really well” and that he hopes to be back out soon. Eventer Saffie Osborne enjoyed her first racing win at Windsor on 27 July on Hot Scoop, trained by her father Jamie. Saffie, a five-time junior European medallist, said she was “over the moon”. Champion jockey Frankie Dettori collected more than £254,000 in prize money for winning the German Oaks at Dusseldorf on 2 August on the John Gosdentrained Miss Yoda. Countryside Alliance chair Nick Herbert is on the 2019 dissolution honours list, with former chair Kate Hoey. The Alliance said both are “great advocates” for rural communities. Long-time showing enthusiast, owner, board member and judge Lucy  Savill…

GOERKLINTGAARDS DUBLET US dressage rider Kasey Perry-Glass’s Olympic ride has been retired aged 17. Dublet and Kasey helped secure team bronze at Rio 2016, and silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. GRAND ROI The unbeaten hurdler topped the Goffs UK Million in Mind dispersal, selling for £400,000 to Gordon Elliott. The Nicky Henderson-trained four-year-old’s price is also the second-highest price ever at the sale. KAYF TARA The leading British National Hunt sire has retired from covering aged 26. The dual Gold Cup winner sired big-name jumpers including Thistlecrack and Tea For Two. He will stay at Overbury Stud in retirement.…

A MAGICAL year in the early ’70s came flooding back when I read the Horse & Hound feature on showjumper Graham Fletcher’s career (Legends of the sport, 23 July). It all started when my father enquired about a pony for sale in H&H. On the journey to see the pony, my sister Hayley and I were told it was at Graham Fletcher’s yard – we were sick with excitement all the way there. Graham’s father Ken met us and, after a tour of the yard showing us Graham’s horses including Buttevant Boy and Tauna Dora, we tried the grey JA jumping pony called Cock O’ The North (Cocky). He was named after the famous class at the Great Yorkshire, which Graham mentions is still his favourite show today. We duly…

OUR showing societies have acted the best they could during these unprecedented times. Showing – unlike other disciplines – does not have one governing body and, therefore, is run by teams of committees and volunteers with passion and expert knowledge in a specific area. We have numerous pony, horse and breed societies for each type of animal and this is why one overriding body would not work. While The Showing Council does a good job at monitoring rules, we need different experts to run their own society. I’ll be the first to admit that I have little knowledge of mountain and moorland ponies and unlike showjumping, where you generally have to complete the course in the fastest time to win, each breed or type of horse and pony deserves its…

MY former riding horse Broadstone Dee was my horse of a lifetime. In our last year together in 2002 we were champion at Windsor, won the Winston Churchill supreme at the Royal International and then took the riding horse of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). I always respected her owner Liz Walkinshaw’s decision to retire her after HOYS, but I think she could have had a couple more seasons in her. She was an awesome horse and would have walked through fire for me. On big occasions she never once let me down and we were always on side with each other. “Be proud of your horse and if you feel the need to rant don’t do it in public; go back to the lorry,…

from H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan 1 A CLOSE COMPETITION: I hope the new format, with three on a team and the medals decided on the grand prix special alone, results in a close, nail-biting event. Germany have been so dominant over the past few years and while they will go into the Games as favourites, it would be great for the team result to go right to the wire in a way it hasn’t for several years. It could only take a missed change or a spook to dramatically affect the standings, meaning this should turn out to be an incredibly exciting championship. 2 BRITAIN ON TOP: it goes without saying that I would love to see Britain win the Olympic title. We have real…

ON one hand, it’s the most exclusive members’ club in the world: you can’t buy your way in, you are selected on merit alone and it is colour, race and privilege-blind. On the other, it probably doubles a student hall of residence, its facilities are not luxurious, and those lucky enough to stay there may well have to share a room. Those are the dichotomies of the Olympic Village – the official accommodation for athletes of all sports during the Olympic Games. With thousands of the world’s best athletes, all primed to achieve the peak performances of their careers, under one roof, the Village must be a heady hive of tangible energy. “It’s hard to describe because it’s unique,” says Swedish event rider Ludwig Svennerstål, who stayed in the Village…

WILLIAM WHITAKER and the striking, big-jumping Chakarewo PS (pictured) caught the eye of many with a clear in the six-year-olds. Tom Williams’ Chacco-Blue stallion out of a thoroughbred mare by Narew only joined William two weeks ago. “He’s green – these youngsters are six months behind because of lockdown – but I was pleased how he got stuck in. He is an athlete, quiet for a stallion with a good brain and learns quickly; I haven’t ridden many youngsters with the awareness of the jump as he does, it’s very promising. “He’s flamboyant and so talented he plays around and gets himself into trouble you don’t think he’ll get out of and then he explodes, jumping out of trouble,” said William.…

South View, Cheshire GALLOPING grandma Anna de Verteuil made her trip from Buckinghamshire to Cheshire for South View’s three-day show well worthwhile, with three wins and several placings on her two horses. Anna travelled here mainly to try to get double clears towards a place at her favourite show, Aintree’s national amateur championships, but she also took the veteran rider classes by storm, winning both on her 19-year-old mare Bonita II. Bonita came to Anna by chance. “She arrived on sales livery at the end of 2018 and I knew it would be hard to find a new home for an 18hh 17-year-old who hadn’t competed for six years,” said Anna. “I took her to a couple of shows to try to get her a current record, and liked her…

Frickley Park (1), South Yorks JAMES RUSHBROOKE and Carol Smart’s Always On My Mind (Allie) were one of only two combinations in novice section M to finish on their dressage score. Their speedy trip across country bagged them a win at only their second attempt at the level. “Last year at Skipton we only made it as far as the third fence,” explained James of their novice debut. “She’s the sort of mare that if she gets out of bed on the right side then she’s lovely, but catch her getting out on the wrong side and you don’t want to be going near her.” “She really started to enjoy her jumping”JAMES RUSHBROOK ON TRAINING DURING LOCKDOWN The eight-year-old daughter of Mill Law, who was bred by her owner, Carol…

A DISASTROUS start in dressage failed to deter Holly Hudson, 13, who rode her eight-year-old gelding Gunna Be Victorious to a prelim win on her affiliated debut at Myerscough College, Lancs. “He galloped out of the arena at their first unaffiliated show, but this time they took top spot in the bronze section,” said proud mother Kirsty, who has watched the partnership develop since Holly teamed up with 14.2hh “Victor” nearly two years ago. “Holly grasped the opportunity during lockdown to focus on building a bond with him. We were so nervous the night before the show, but this win is all down to her hard work.”…

Qatar Goodwood Festival, Goodwood Racecourse, West Sussex STRADIVARIUS and Battaash may have won a fourth Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup and King George Qatar Stakes respectively last week, but it was Goodwood new boy Mohaather who stole the show on the South Downs. He showed a devastating turn of foot to come from 300 yards out to win one of the season’s pre-eminent miles races, the Qatar Sussex Stakes. Better late to the party is better than not attending at all. While Stradivarius and Battaash had already collected a brace of their races by the same stage of their four-year-old careers, Mohaather’s breakthrough at the highest level had been delayed – not only through injury but also through misfortune in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, when he found himself hemmed…

“A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME STAYER” AFTER winning the Ascot Gold Cup by an uncharacteristic 10 lengths, it was as you were and back to his modus operandi of smaller winning margins for Stradivarius (pictured) in his fourth Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. If Battaash is a once-in-a-generation sprinter, Stradivarius is a once-in-a-lifetime stayer. If not the best, he is by some margin the most accomplished. Two furlongs out, Frankie Dettori did not appear to have much of an exit strategy from a pocket. But it’s more slow motion at the end of a two-mile race and the gap came. As he does, once in the clear, Stradivarius showed his trademark turn of foot and has now set up a possible clash in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with stable companion Enable. Once…

FEW stories in racing have captured public imagination like that of Bob Champion piloting Aldaniti to victory in the 1981 Grand National. The jockey had very nearly lost his life to cancer; the horse had fought back from major leg injuries and a recommendation that he be put down. Their win was the stuff of fairy tales, and indeed inspired a number of books and a hit movie. But Bob Champion’s life is much more than that of a cancer survivor who clawed his way back to win the National. A fine horseman who worked hard to become a top jockey with some 500 or so winners to his name globally, his life has been shaped by his love of racing. And the affection the horse world has for him…

• Brough Scott (pictured): “Bob was extremely irritating to other jockeys because he was such a success with the ladies, without making any real effort. It was just a well-known phenomenon. “But he was a horseman jockey, he could handle a big burly gelding rolling round in soft ground. He rode quite long to get his legs round a horse and trainers liked that – [they] knew their horses would be balanced.” • Althea Gifford: “Bob is quite shy, somebody who keeps his thoughts to himself a bit, but he always looked you in the eye and was absolutely straight. “I give him great credit for all he did afterwards [for his Trust]… it is amazing.” • John Francome: “Bob could walk into the weighing room, have a cup of…

THE longer we live in the Cheviots, the more the place where I grew up feels like a foreign land. In Game of Thrones terms, it’s a bit like a Mediterranean Westeros compared to life at the Wall. The children and I are in Wiltshire now, staying with Granny and Grandpa, enjoying the sun on our limbs and the chance to break out our summer clothes. The words of the song, “Summertime and the living is easy,” keep springing to mind as we make our way around the Lilliputian landscape. It is so pretty here. I just wish there weren’t so many people. “The boys’ Covid haircuts brought to mind the Norman soldiers on the Bayeux Tapestry” Also, when did it get so trendy? In the nearest town, someone was…

HOPES that the final day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting (28 July–1 August) was to be one of the first sporting events to allow spectators to attend since lockdown were dashed when the Government withdrew permission on 31 July. A statement from the British Horseracing Authority, the Racecourse Association (RCA) and Goodwood Racecourse said: “The prime minister is setting out the rationale for the decision but we understand concern about the national infection rate is the primary reason. “Goodwood Racecourse and the RCA have been leading work on the pilot event, with the safety of members and all those attending as the most important priority. Government and public health officials have been briefed throughout and had approved the approach. We are clear that the decision to cancel is not a…

ORNELLAIA John Whitaker’s 2016 Rio Olympics ride has been enjoying success with Sienna Charles. Peter Charles’s 17-year-old daughter and the 15-year-old mare came fourth in a 1.45m grand prix in Belgium on 2 August. DEFOE The Roger Varian-trained racehorse suffered a fatal injury on the gallops on 29 August. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s six-year-old won nine of his 22 starts, including the 2019 Coronation Cup. LE CHIFFRE The 13-year-old dressage pony has been leased to 13-year-old rider Elizabeth Hart. “Peanut” represented Britain at the 2016 pony Europeans with Lara Kuropatwa, finishing eighth individually.…

EQUESTRIANS have been urged to help get a new fireworks petition debated in parliament. The petition, started on 21 July by Julie Doorne of FAB Firework Campaign UK, is calling for the sale and use of fireworks to be limited to organisers of licensed displays. The Government must respond to the petition as it has reached the 10,000-signature mark, which it did in two days. “We don’t expect a positive response from the Government but people shouldn’t be disheartened. People will say things like, ‘The Government aren’t going to do anything,’ and stop sharing the petition, but that’s when we need to work even harder to keep getting signatures,” said Julie, who successfully took two fireworks petitions to debate in 2016 and 2017. If the petition is signed by 100,000…

SPLASHING OUT Celeb Kylie Jenner has reportedly paid $200,000 (£a lot) for a pony for her daughter. If she’d only asked, we could have sold her a couple of crackers for a bargainous £100,000… BEER One of the oddest things about lockdown easing has been the inconsistencies in guidance. A notable one in Wales allowed pubs to set risk-assessed capacity for beer gardens, although no more than 30 people could be on site at a show. Could venues with licensed bars just invite riders for a drink, and let them have a cheeky showjumping round or two first…? GROOMING Overheard at the yard, a rider looking wistfully at her mare’s wild-woman locks and her friend’s horse’s neat and tame mane. “How do you get it to look that good?” she…

WHEN a livery client’s lockdown wedding looked as though it might pass unnoticed, David Rumsey’s yard stepped up to the mark. The Kent-based international dressage rider and his team invited Rachel Collins and her new husband Roger Taylor to visit the yard after their simple ceremony on 23 July. Expecting just to have a few pictures taken, the newlyweds were instead met by the team in their best, along with Rachel’s 17.1hh gelding Fine-Time turned out to perfection, cake, balloons and champagne. “It was a total surprise, and really, really lovely. I was blown away by their kindness,” Rachel told H&H. “During these weird times, it was a day that could have passed unnoticed but they made it so special.”…

ORGANISERS are doing brilliantly in putting on events in line with the strict guidelines and it’s great to be back competing. Everyone hopes that some of the innovations are here to stay, such as paying start fees online, printing your own number and bigger warm-up areas. There is a huge demand for entries which is unsurprising, given that some events aren’t running and the maximum number of starters permitted per day is reduced, leading to heavy balloting. Organisers who provide good courses on well prepared ground have created a sought-after product, and the clientele is there in the form of competitors queuing up, yet they have to be turned away because the cap for entries is reached. I appreciate it’s important that eventing doesn’t become too centralised at fewer venues,…

WHEN Katie Bailey went on holiday to the south of France in 2009, she never expected to receive a message that would transform her dressage career. “My mum texted me to say she’d just seen an advert in Horse & Hound for a job at Carl Hester’s yard, and had applied on my behalf,” says Katie, now 32 and one of Britain’s most exciting up-and-coming dressage riders. “At the time I was doing a six-month scholarship at Talland, and I had a very intense lesson without stirrups the night before the interview, to help prepare,” remembers Katie. “Carl put me on Super Nova II [Neville, who went on to be Spencer Wilton’s Olympic horse]. I trotted around his beautiful arena on Neville, sat up tall and tried to smile, and…

“THE courses were exceptional so full marks to Bob Ellis and his team. The first team round didn’t look enormous, but it knocked out two of the favourites, so it was obviously a very clever course. Then in the second team round, it was bigger, wider and there were plenty of stride options. “I don’t think anyone expected to see the Saudis in the shake-up of an Olympic Games. But they have four good riders who have come about four good horses and they look very strong.” John Whitaker “The FEI prides itself on having a different format for each championship – European, world and the Olympics. It’s madness, really. Nick Skelton would have won individual gold if each round’s score had been carried forward to the individual final, as…

JUST how hard is it to postpone Tokyo’s Olympics by a year? By this stage of the annus horribilis that is 2020, almost everyone has had to cancel or reschedule something sizeable. Be it a party, holiday, wedding or reunion, we’ve had to balance personal disappointment against the greater crisis, and spend hours unpicking plans, chasing up deposits, cancelling flights and more. Spare a thought then for the Tokyo Olympic Organising committee (TOKOG) who have had to postpone 2020’s biggest party of all, involving 41 different venues, 11,000 athletes and an anticipated 600,000 visitors from around the world. Toshiro Muto, TOKOG chief executive, explained to the media that numerous Olympic venues had already been booked for other purposes next year, producing scheduling conflicts that have had to be resolved. For…

PONYO TURNOUT RUG BY PONYO HORSEWEAR Even serial rug-rippers will struggle to wreck this eye-catching turnout rug, which is made from the sturdiest waterproof 1,200D ripstop fabric, with various fill options. Designs include watermelons, monkeys and unicorns, as well as floral and geometric patterns, and each rug comes with a detachable neck with a generous overlap to stop any wind or rain getting in. They also feature a higher than average neckline and adjustable chest straps to offer maximum comfort. Sizes: 3ft to 6ft 9in. From £58 ponyo-horsewear.com FORMAHOOF This new equine podiatry system is designed to offer vets and farriers a highly effective solution to various hoof-care challenges, from thin soles and white-line disease to conformation and performance issues, as well as laminitis. A reusable mould is placed on…

KATIE STRELCZUK swapped hooves for wheels during lockdown, and credits cycling “up to 280 miles at a time” for improving her strength and fitness. “I had a knee operation at the end of last year, which meant I couldn’t carry on running to keep fit, so I bought a bike,” she explained. “I cycled every day during lockdown and really enjoyed it.” Katie fits in riding her Offchurch Bury BE100 winner, Aprils Royale Ruby, around working for a renewable energy company.…

Keysoe, Beds LOCKDOWN training has paid off for Sarah Millis, whose “orange pocket rocket” Impressive VDC scored a prix st georges (PSG) double on his first attempt at the level. “He went well in the six-year-old classes last year, but I’ve had that bit of extra time to build on his strengths,” said Sarah of the Charmeur gelding she bought as a youngster from Equine Elite, who scored more than 74% on the second day. “He’s an intelligent horse and enjoys his work.” Sarah’s novice 39 winner, Kodora SRV, was another Equine Elite auction buy. “As soon as I sat on Dora, I thought, ‘I love this’,” said Sarah of Kate Moisson’s five-year-old mare. “She has such lovely natural balance, with a willing attitude and a big engine. And she…

“IT was well-deserved,” said judge Shena Kozuba-Kozubska of the 83.75% she awarded Victoria Leabeater and Quickstar I in the novice 28 at West Wilts EC, Wilts. “There were some lovely horses and some decent riding, but this pair stood out,” said Shena, who gave them a 10 for a foot-perfect final centre line and halt. “The horse really used himself behind. He looked as though he thoroughly enjoyed it, which made a refreshing change.” Victoria started riding “Bee” for new owner Catherine Steel shortly before lockdown. She described the 10-year-old Andretti Z gelding as “a joy to work with”. “Bee has a real aptitude for dressage and thrives on praise,” said Victoria, who recently completed a master’s at Hartpury University, studying performance analysis. “He was excited to be back at…

THE dramatic transformation of Dutch harness horse Eyecatcher A continues to reap dividends. The 11-year-old gelding headed the bronze prelim 15 qualifier section at Pachesham EC, Surrey, despite being sidelined for most of lockdown with a field injury that developed into a tendon sheath infection. “He’s an interesting character who keeps us on our toes,” said his owner, Laura Edwards, of 17hh “Frankie”. “Re-educating him for dressage has been a challenge, as he was being driven until he was six. “Our trainer, Sarah Sjoholm-Patience, has spent a lot of time working on my position and effectiveness, as well as helping Frankie to relax through his neck and over his back,” added Laura. “He has decided that he is an absolute Valegro.”…

YOUNG Irish trainer Donnacha O’Brien had already won a French Oaks, the Prix de Diane, aged just 21, and a week after his 22nd birthday Aidan O’Brien’s youngest son won his first British Group One when Fancy Blue (pictured, blue and orange silks), his Diane winner, won the Qatar Nassau Stakes. “It’s unbelievable to get a filly like this in my first season,” he said. “I’m under no illusion about how lucky I am. It’s massive, I never expected anything like this but you’ll always have a chance with Coolmore’s pedigrees. “We’ll give her a break now. She’s had a busy start to the season and we’ll bring her back for Irish Champions weekend; the Matron Stakes or the Irish Champion. Then it will be the Arc or the Opera…

THAT great breeder of foxhounds, Ikey Bell, wrote a magical book of anecdotes, full of his knowledge and experiences of foxhunting. A Huntsman’s Logbook was published just after World War II. In one of the chapters, entitled “Standardisation”, he regrets that the foxhound, as a breed, had become so uniform in type. He says: “There was a time that had I met a stray hound in the road, in most instances I could have made a shrewd guess as from what kennel he hailed. Nowadays one could not be so certain.” In those days the fashionable hounds came from Belvoir, were dark coloured, of the heavier type, with plenty of bone. Ikey Bell would applaud the type of modern foxhound that wins at Peterborough today. This is the type he…

• His own heroes: “The best I ever rode with, and the best I’ve ever seen is John Francome. He’s absolute class. He was always on the right stride to a fence because he’d organised things so far out. I’ll never forget his Champion Hurdle ride on Sea Pigeon [pictured].” • Injuries, of which he’s had plenty: “If you’re going to be a jump jockey, you can’t think you’re not going to get hurt. I broke a lot of bones but I got out in one piece which means a lot to me. I’ve seen quite a lot of people in wheelchairs, sadly.”…