Innholdsfortegnelse for 20-Mar-2025 i Horse & Hound

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL provoked a rollercoaster of emotions drawn from phenomenal performances, unexpected winners, moving tributes and more (report, p44). As Davy Russell explains (opinion, p16), the experience is intense for everyone involved, and tough decisions are made throughout the week, some paying off, some not. Gavin Cromwell, the farrier turned trainer interviewed in last week’s H&H, has been heralded a “genius” for his Gold Cup victory. I was intrigued to see the return of the old World Championship format in showjumping where four top riders swapped horses to complete four rounds each. The format had a mixed response from riders in the past, but was fascinating for spectators who drew conclusions about the adaptability of jockeys and superlative nature of specific horses. The class made a comeback at the Dutch…

GRAFENNACHT Harry Meade and the 13-year-old won a CCI4*-L in Italy on their first international run together. Amanda Gould’s mare had competed at CCI5* with William Fox-Pitt. INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN The Gavin Cromwell-trained seven-year-old ridden by Mark Walsh and owned by JP McManus, won the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup (14 March). Full Cheltenham report, p44. NOONEY BLUE The horse who launched the career of top Belgian eventer Lara de Liedekerke-Meier has died, aged 28. She was dam of Lara’s first five-star winner, Hooney D’Arville.…

▲ SILVER LININGS Overheard, an owner of two horses out of work owing to injury. “On the bright side, my house has never been so clean,” she sighed. On with the rehab! ▲ POSITIONING Spotted online possibly the most perfect picture ever; a horse stopping in an arena for a call of nature – exactly at the letter P. We knew horses had a sense of humour, but not necessarily that they could read… ▲ TAKING YOUR TIME Overheard at a show, the steward to the judge, who wanted to know where the last rider was. “He’s just warming up,” the former said. “Ah,” was the reply. “Did he go home to do it?” Ouch. But hurry up. ▼ SCAMMERS This week’s award to the seller of a pony who’s…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound SELLING HORSES ROWLAND FERNYHOUGH’S opinion about “unreasonable” vetting procedures (20 February) is interesting, and one must sympathise with dealers on many occasions. But, as always, every case is di‡ erent. A vetting, or prior-to-purchase (PPE) examination, is a test of soundness and of suitability for a purchaser, the veterinary surgeon enabling them to make an informed decision. But many legal claims arise from PPEs and it is the veterinary surgeon, not the vendor, who carries the can in the majority of disputes. “Owning horses is expensive and relatively high-risk” JOHN M KILLINGBECK Only a small number of people have the expertise to earn a living dealing in horses. For many, the sale of the…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald WHERE do you start with this year’s extraordinary Cheltenham Festival? We saw a mix of established winners enjoying the spotlight, new trainers coming to the fore, some talented young jockeys earning their place in the winner’s enclosure and, while Ireland remained dominant, success came from both sides of the water. In the same way the Brazilians play soccer or the English are good at cricket, we live and breathe horseracing in Ireland. So it’s important for us to succeed and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re good at it. Kopek Des Bordes’ victory, in the opening Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, got the four days off to a great start, but it was a rollercoaster ride after that. Lossiemouth’s win in the Mares’ Hurdle was a…

RIDER GEORGIE GOSS “I SAW Kojak at an event when he was owned by Andrew Williams, who was then running GHF Equestrian. I’d bought a few young horses from them before and I thought, ‘I love him, I want him.’ “He’s the most beautiful horse I’ve ever seen – we joke that he’s like Davide Sanclimenti from Love Island. When I went to try him, he lived up to those stunning looks, so we got some owners together and bought him at the end of his six-year-old year. “Kojak is quite a nervy, sharp horse – for example, you can’t get on from the floor, you have to have a leg-up. And once you’re on, you can’t take your coat off. He’s a sensitive little fellow. But he matches his…

HOW can you go greener on your yard right now? • Ruth Dancer says travel and transport make up the largest proportion of the equestrian carbon footprint. “It’s such a tough one because there are almost no clean options for transporting horses and no great solutions coming. Sharing journeys where you can will shrink your emissions.” • Reduce water wastage by ensuring water buckets don’t overflow. “Either switch it off, or if you really can’t get to it, use a limiter so the flow stops when the water reaches a certain height,” Ruth adds. • Fiona Hill recommends checking product bags for their official eco credentials. “The FSC logo shows wood products are sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests.” Some bags will show a Mobius loop. This indicates that an…

INVESTING in a good-quality bit from a trusted manufacturer is vital, and Ema Odlin-Baxter warns that there has been a rise in generic unbranded bits – often replicas of well-known brands – containing lead brasses. “This is where recycled metal is being used and it is mixed with brass. Because of the temperature to which it has to be heated to get it to cast, the people manufacturing them add lead so that it melts at a lower temperature,” explains Ema. “The nature of how the material in bits works is that it is designed to oxidise, so in these bits lead leaches into the horse’s system,” adds Ema. “It’s very worrying because people buy a gold-coloured bit, for example, unaware of the fact that lead is included. We are…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Thursday 4 Irish winners on Cheltenham’s St Patrick’s Day 50TH FESTIVAL WINNER FOR PAUL NICHOLLS, 75TH FOR NICKY HENDERSON 53,366 Thursday’s attendance 18hh Jagwar (Jonjo O’Neill Jr) triumphs in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase PRESTBURY CUP STANDINGS AFTER DAY THREE RACHAEL BLACKMORE, the sport’s most decorated female jockey, returned to the spotlight with a thunderous double on day three. After a challenging season during which she was sidelined with a neck injury, the crowd favourite made a triumphant return to the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure. She scored first on Air Of Entitlement in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, followed by a galvanising ride on stablemate Bob Olinger to land the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. “Any time here, getting to be on the podium is very special,” she commented. Of…

oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr MYERSCOUGH PREMIER LEAGUE 11–16 March Myerscough College Premier League, Lancs IN just her second grand prix appearance, Sadie Smith and the outstanding 10-year-old mare Swanmore Dantina claimed victory with 72.1% – the highest score of the competition – solidifying their status as one of Britain’s most exciting partnerships. “I felt like she was not quite as relaxed as she could be with the travelling, but considering it’s just our second attempt at the level she had a lot of nice moments,” Sadie said. “The passage was more confident this time out and we just had one tense moment going into the second piaffe, but it’s getting better and I’m so glad I’ve taken my time with her because she’s such a kind mare.” Their closest challengers were Becky…

Swallowfield Equestrian, Warks WHILE double novice silver and outright winner Erin Dobby had intended to event her seven-year-old gelding Woodlander Million, the Millennium son is taking her down another route. “He doesn’t like poles and decided it wasn’t his plan,” said Erin. “Dressage is not my first passion, but ‘Mills’ could easily go to advanced medium or higher. “It’s been an eye-opener to learn to ride some of the movements,” added Erin, who trains with Gemma Bentley and Rebecca Hughes. “Mills is quite bold in the dressage; at a show, it’s all business to him. We’ve taken some time out to train at home, but I was quietly confident that he could do well.” Nancy Plant scored a double bronze and outright win at medium with Moviestar II, the Martinez…

WHITAKER SEALS A DOUBLE JACK WHITAKER and the brilliant 16-year-old Equine America Valmy De La Lande posted back-to-back grand prix victories on the Toscana Tour in Arezzo, Italy. Having landed last week’s CSI2* feature class, the pair returned to top the leaderboard of a competitive 15-way jump-off for the CSI3* equivalent seven days later. “At the end of last year, Valmy was jumping well but wasn’t really winning anything, so I gave him a break,” said Jack. “His first time back in the ring was for two-star week in Arezzo last week, so he’s only jumped four classes this year and won two grands prix out of them,” he continued. “Valmy feels really good and he’s naturally fast when he’s on the ball!” ROSE BLOOMS IN SPAIN “IT was a…

A BRITISH-BRED full-brother to past Royal Welsh champion Heniarth Wood-Wind made a spectacular return to the show ring at the recent South Africa Horse of the Year Show. Heniarth Top Of The Morning, by Lemonshill Top Note out of Eyarth Windflower, was exported to the Dolarch Stud in South Africa as a yearling, having won at the National Welsh Show; he was last shown nine years ago when he repeated his 2015 triumph and stood champion at this same show. The typey section B was produced here by JJ Kemp and shown by British-based Scott Dixon, who had flown in specially. “We’re delighted to see ‘Top’ back out performing so far from Wales,” said breeder Richard Miller. “It was an honour for him to become one of the first section…

MORGAN ROYNAN’S exciting newcomer, the Elliee Stuntproduced five-year old Freediezier blitzed all opposition en route to the overall intermediate title after winning the novice class at BSPS Area 15a. “Fred” is by the Heartbreaker son Womanizer out of a Burggraaf mare and, in view of his breeding, is being considered for a second career. “He jumps for fun at home, so we might get him out to do a few worker classes,” said Elliee. The day began well, too, when Sarah Rymer’s home-bred Goldengrove Primadonna made a triumphant debut to win her novice class and stand show pony champion, ridden by Heidi Cooper. Heidi’s run continued when she partnered her mother Rachel Perfect’s Dowhills Nuage Noir to head the 148cm part-bred class and championship – plus the novice show hunter…

Quantock, Cothelstone, Somerset WILL BIDDICK celebrated a pair of wins at Cothelstone, starting with a victory in the mixed open with nine-year-old Norton Hill for trainer Harry Ryall and owners Mr J Barber and Mr A Norman. “He was a 120-rated horse under Rules over hurdles,” said Will. “It was all a bit quick for him at Badbury Rings [when he finished in third place], but he was very much suited to the quick ground and 3m 4f today. Stamina is his forte – he just jumps and stays. They might have a go at a hunter chase or a longer-distance point-to-point next.” Completing Will’s double was home-bred gelding Good Boy Eric, who won the restricted. This was the five-year-old by Bollin Eric’s second win from four starts. “He won…

CATCH ME QUICK won the maiden at Cothelstone on his British pointing debut under Charlie Marshall, for trainer Hannah Clarke and the Taking A Risk Partnership. “I bought him at the Doncaster sales in May,” said Hannah. “He’s always shown loads at home and had an impressive run in Ireland, which is what made me buy him. “He nearly came down on the bend four out, but picked himself up and was amazing to finish in front. He is sadly for sale. He’s classy so has to go, but has an exciting future.” ONE TO WATCH…

catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 BERKS AND BUCKS DRAGHOUNDS 23 February Berks and Bucks Draghounds, Kingsclere, Hants IF you’re searching for a way to inject some adrenaline into your Sunday afternoons throughout the hunting season, then may I introduce you to the Berks and Bucks Draghounds? It was a no-brainer for me to take up the very kind invitation from Andrew van Oostrum, master of this pack, for their iconic meet at Flat trainer Andrew Balding’s historic Park House Stables in Kingsclere, Hampshire. All the more special was the fact that the Berks and Bucks are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary year. Emma Balding’s parents bought Park House Stables in 1953 and her father, Peter Hastings-Bass, trained from here until his premature death 11 years later. His assistant, Ian Balding, later to become…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ LACK of turnout and owner knowledge are among the drivers of the current equine welfare crisis – as most horses’ needs are not being met. The RSPCA has published Horse Sense, a comprehensive report carried out by the universities of Bristol and Dublin, and Human Behaviour Change for Life. The aim was to address the situation known as the “horse crisis” – it found that although the original issues have eased, “most equines in England and Wales are not having welfare needs fully met”. Issues include lack of social interaction, obesity, “rough handling” and poor owner recognition of quality of life. The research indicated key drivers including lack of knowledge and of turnout. “We’re hoping to start the…

BOLESWORTH GETS FOUR-STARS AGAIN THE Bolesworth International Horse Show steps back up to CSI4* status in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Four-star showjumping classes will run on the second week of the fortnight of sport (27 June–6 July) and will feature the £100,000 Al Shira’aa CSI4* grand prix (5 July). The 2025 show will also include three-star, onestar, young horse, youth and amateur international classes, as well as a puissance, a fancy dress mini-major and a “celebrity ride-and-drive” class. “Bolesworth is back, bigger and bolder than ever, bringing an electrifying fusion of world-class equestrian sport, high-octane entertainment, and luxury lifestyle experiences,” a show spokesperson said. TWO CHELTENHAM HORSE DEATHS TWO horses died at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival (11–14 March). Springwell Bay, an eight-year-old trained by Jonjo O’Neill Snr…

Showjumper Joe Stockdale is an official ambassador for welfare charity Redwings. He will donate his time and has adopted a group of Shetlands. Jockey Paul Townend was leading rider at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. His four wins were all with horses for the Festival’s leading trainer, Willie Mullins. Fourteen-time CCI5* winner William Fox-Pitt, who retired from top-level eventing in 2024, has joined the Horse Trials Support Group as a patron. World champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale won the grand prix and freestyle at the Dutch Masters. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb were second. Jockey Frankie Dettori is filing for bankruptcy, after a dispute with HMRC concerning a tax avoidance scheme. He is “saddened and embarrassed by this outcome”.…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle AFTER two soggy springs, it’s difficult to believe that we are nearly at the end of March and have had an uninterrupted calendar on near-perfect footing. I was sad that the under-25 championship at Bramham has been reduced from a CCI4*-L to a CCI4*-S to try to attract more competitors. To me this is a retrograde step. The under-25 CCI4*-L was pretty much identical to the senior division, so there was little cost involved in running it. Looking at some of the previous winners – my daughter Zara, Piggy March, Tom McEwen, Yasmin Ingham, Will Coleman, Astier Nicolas – shows what an important goal this has been for aspiring riders in their early 20s. Since the FEI tightened the minimum eligibility requirements, it has become more difficult for…

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SECURING the UK’s water supply over the next decade presents a major challenge for every household, but Ruth thinks the equestrian industry could be faced with tough questions in the future. “We’re going to hear a lot about water shortages in the news this year,” she says. “We know that by 2030, some regions in the UK are going to experience severe water stress; the water industry is going to be spending £100m telling us so.” Water use is a welfare requirement for horses; it’s needed in vast quantities to help regulate body temperature in summer, irrigate arenas to prevent dust particles from soaring, and soak forage to control sugar consumption. Ruth fears that perceived overuse of water may lead to scrutiny. “You see it with golf; courses are exempt…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 11–14 March Good to soft going WINNERS FROM ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES ON DAY ONE 55,498 Tuesday’s attendance 25/1, 66/1 AND 150/1 THE ODDS OF THE TOP THREE HOME IN THE CHAMPION HURDLE PRESTBURY CUP STANDINGS AFTER DAY ONE IMAGE OF THE DAY Kopek Des Bordes, ridden by an emotional Paul Townend, returns a poignant winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, run this year in memory of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died after a fall last month Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos FOR unrelenting drama, magic and brilliant unpredictability you need look no further than Prestbury Park for four days in March. Billed as the greatest show on turf, the Cheltenham Festival is where sporting legends – both equine and human – are made. But a different kind of…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Friday -3.5°C OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURE AHEAD OF GOLD CUP DAY 1.8m viewers for the Gold Cup on ITV Racing Willie Mullins saddles 11 of the 18 runners for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, with 100/1 shot Poniros (right, blue silks) becoming the longest-priced Festival winner since Nortons Coin in the 1990 Gold Cup PRESTBURY CUP FINAL STANDINGS AFTER the extraordinary events of the previous few days, Friday’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup was never going to be run-of-the-mill. The expectation surrounding Galopin Des Champs’ predicted ascendancy into racing immortality with a historic third success in the race had reached fever pitch as Gold Cup day dawned. But within minutes of the tapes going up at 4pm, the result looked in doubt as Willie Mullins’ runner didn’t appear his usual effervescent self.…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle HIGHLIGHTS 6–9 March Agria Oasby (1), Lincs A WINTER of physical strengthening for horse and rider paid off for Alex Postolowsky and Iden Van De Rosweide with an intermediate victory. “She’s always been quite weak – she’s got a massive engine, but is almost hypermobile and can get tight as she has so much movement,” said Alex. “I have a dry treadmill at home and she’s been going on that all winter. It’s helped to build her up more evenly so she’s much straighter. “She finds it stressful being in the wrong balance and hates to think she’s made a mistake, so each area improves the other mentally and physically. She’s really built up in her second thigh area and is capable of keeping her balance better.” Alex…

HIGHLIGHTS 3–9 March Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Bucks “THE music makes him grow -it’s quite a cool feeling,” said Verena Howson of Figaro V, an outright and bronze winner in the advanced medium freestyle with 71.83%. “I ride him to a Bridgerton theme with an Austrian touch. That’s where I’m from, so we’ve also included Rock Me Amadeus by Falco.” According to Verena, who bought Figaro five years ago, the Fidertanz gelding is aptly nicknamed. “His stable name is Banana, which really represents his character,” she explained. “He’s quite quirky and goofy and he wants to be friends with everyone, but he’s very willing to work. I’m so proud of him. “Our big goal is to do our first prix st georges this year,” added Verena, who trains with Jack…

NIGEL SPRINGER headed the Ron Brady Sporthorses RHS Classic qualifier with the sole double clear on his ring debut with ES Coco Kan. “I’ve had her on the yard a few weeks, she’s a nice mare and is easy to ride,” said Nigel, who was offered the ride out of the blue by the mare’s owner-breeder Nick Jalali, who recently bought her back. Nigel, who runs his own yard and works as a builder, is based near Gretna Green and is helped out by trainer Paul Deasy. “I was going to retire and my daughter Charlotte was going to take over, but she is now riding for Scott Brash. I’ve got three nice horses at the moment, so I’ll keep going for another year or two,” he added.…

TUESDAY was the last day of the season and hounds were meeting at the farm next door. Adam, one of his jointmasters Caroline and I hacked over the hill to the meet. Up at the top, a strong wind, albeit warmer than average for the time of year, buffeted us insolently and deafened us against any sounds coming from the valley below. I relished the view of vehicles that greets you at the beginning of a hunting day, particularly when the gathering takes place in a setting that is usually human-free. This time, it was enhanced with the knowledge that everyone present was in the same state of happy expectation, looking forward to their last outing with hounds until autumn comes around again. It has become a tradition for “the…

DAVID ZOUCH ROSS THE world-renowned breeder and advocate for riding ponies died on 3 March, aged 70. David bred a dynasty of ponies carrying the Falconhurst prefix and was recognised the world over. His passion for breeding and showing beautiful horses and ponies extended to several breeds. Famously he owned and bred Arabians in the USA, riding ponies in the UK -including Rosslyn Sweet Repose, Cuddy supreme 2002 at Horse of the Year Show – and Australian, Welsh and Shetland ponies, plus Australian stock horses, on home shores. Via import, David’s ponies have also made a significant impact in New Zealand. David’s ability to identify breed type and his craft of breeding to type was a rare gift and was widely recognised. He was generous with his knowledge and his…

THIS is the moment George met George – one a 30-year-old part-bred Clydesdale, the other a 15kg replica made of cake. The masterpiece is the work of Grace Eva Cakes to celebrate George’s owner Paula West’s 40th birthday on 5 March. “It’s out of this world,” Paula told H&H. “I’ve only just been able to cut it – but most of it is in the freezer to keep. It was extra-special because of how long we’ve been together.” Paula has owned George for 25 years and she said she had to allow him to meet the cake. “He’s such a gent; there aren’t many horses I’d trust nose to nose with it!” she said. “I wanted pictures so people could see what an amazing job Grace had done; it wasn’t…

bethan.simons@futurenet.com ON reflection, 2024 can be summed up as “non-vintage” for showing, as many major winners were unable to escape the taste of defeat during the course of the season, including at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Reviewing the NEC results seemingly revealed more surprises than usual. Was this due to more overseas judges officiating? Unlike some who jump on the bandwagon when posting on social media, I cannot, in all fairness, comment. I was aboard the new Cunard ship, the Queen Anne, at the time. However, one thing I will say is that last year’s scenario is no different to when our UK judges officiate abroad, and rely heavily on their experience and adaptability, particularly when sorting different types. “Some new superstars help create the all-important buzz that…

“I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO CHANGE OUR MINDS” SOME uncertainty surrounded Lossiemouth (pictured, above) in the run-up to the Festival as to whether she’d take her chance in the Champion Hurdle. After trainer Willie Mullins “didn’t see the work to run her” in Tuesday’s blue riband contest, the six-year-old was switched to the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. Indeed, she repeated her glory of 2024 with a seven-and-a-half length victory over stablemate Jade De Grugy. “I was disappointed to change our minds on a two-year plan, but it was the correct decision for connections,” said Mullins of the Rich Ricci-owned mare, who also landed the Triumph Hurdle in 2023. “I’m not going to open my mouth again about the Champion Hurdle! That is her third win at Cheltenham, which puts her in…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Wednesday 1st Cheltenham Festival winner for trainer Cian Collins 1,280/1 TREBLE FOR WILLIE MULLINS WITH SOME OF HIS LESSER-FANCIED RUNNERS, 20/1 SHOT LECKY WATSON, 16/1 JIMMY DU SEUIL AND 4/1 BAMBINO FEVER PRESTBURY CUP STANDINGS AFTER DAY TWO 3 false starts 41,949 Wednesday’s attendance TWO years ago, brilliant young jockey Michael O’Sullivan was heralded as the rising star of the weighing room after riding a winning Festival double, the magic of Cheltenham once again casting its spell. During a remarkable 40 minutes on Wednesday, both his winning rides from that day – Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty – returned as victors of first the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, then the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup respectively. Tragically, Michael wasn’t there to share the glory this…

JOCKEY Paul Townend continues to fire out Cheltenham winners for the mighty Mullins team. However, his younger sister Jody added her name to the Festival roll of honour, landing the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with the stable’s Bambino Fever. “I’m on cloud nine,” she said. “When I gave her a squeeze, she took off and it was magic. She has a heart of gold.” Townend “grew up watching Paul riding winners around here” and this was her third Festival ride. “We still cheer Paul on and celebrate like it is his first one, so for me to be part of it is unbelievable,” she commented.…

“WE KEPT THE FAITH” WHILE many had written off high-profile auction purchase Caldwell Potter (pictured), who came with a hefty £620,000 price tag, after a couple of uninspiring runs for new trainer Paul Nicholls, connections never lost faith. Redemption came with victory in the newly introduced Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, providing a 50th Festival success for the trainer. It was a particularly poignant return to the winner’s enclosure, as the seven-year-old was switched into the silks of co-owner John Hales, who died in January. “We were thinking of John because he decided to buy the horse – his colours, a grey horse, all John’s memories,” said co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson. “When you see that today, it doesn’t matter the price – it’s absolutely fantastic.” Paul Nicholls explained that it…

THE Surrey-based Hughes family claimed two Hickstead tickets in two days at Onley Grounds, when Tabitha Hughes, 13, and the 2024 Hickstead and Royal Windsor Pretty Polly winner Ecclesbourne Byron Bay (pictured) booked their return pass at BSPS Area 6. This was followed by victory in the open 138cm show ponies the next day at Area 17 where, for good measure, the pair also nailed the show pony title ahead of the pony’s former jockey Matilda Holmes with the 148cm victor Stanley Grange Gilt Edge. Matilda was on form too, heading the part-bred championship at Area 6 with “Edward” and taking reserve in the show pony championship astride his paternal half-brother, Victoria Harker’s reigning part-bred of the year, Stanley Grange Crescendo, also by Turberry Top Cat.…

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD gelding Loughermore pulled out all the stops to land his first pointing victory at the Hurworth meeting. He triumphed in the conditions (level three) for grassroots riders under four-star event rider Laura Fenwick and for trainer Simon Waugh. “He belongs to my housemate Amie Waugh, who is a professional Flat jockey,” said Laura. “He is their fun family horse, but Amie can’t ride him in points so I stole him. “He ran under Rules, then Amie ended up hunting him and doing hunt rides. He was entered for the Golden Button, so she entered him into a point-to-point to give him a blowout beforehand. But the Golden Button got cancelled and he actually ran much better than expected in the point-to-point, so she has kept going with him.”…