Innholdsfortegnelse for 1-May-2025 i Horse & Hound

AS we celebrate a fantastic start to the five-star eventing season at Defender Kentucky, we look forward to Mars Badminton Horse Trials. Tina Cook walked this year’s Badminton course (p34), pointing out how impactful the cumulative effect will be. And the good news for the hundreds of thousands going to spectate? Tina says it’s going to be “great fun to watch”. Isn’t it always? We can’t wait. Just don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance, as you won’t be able to purchase these on the gate, (see “How to follow”, p46). Next week, don’t miss Pippa Roome’s Badminton form guide. It may be hard to look past Ros Canter, as Pippa says (opinion, p14), but there will be eyes on every combination. Last year, Lucy Latta surprised many by…

IN THE NEWS RCA PATRON SAINT The gelding, who was runner-up at Badminton 2024 with Lucy Latta, has been withdrawn from the 2025 CCI5* owing to a cut. He is expected to make a full recovery. JAGERBOMB The Paris 2024 Olympic team bronze medallist won the Fontainebleau CDI5* grand prix on 76.87% and the freestyle on 84.38% with Britain’s Becky Moody. MGH ZABAIONE The nine-year-old gelding won Ballindenisk CCI4*-L with Padraig McCarthy, who bred and part-owns him. He won Blenheim’s young horse championship in 2024.…

TUCKING IN An email arrives at H&H Towers titled “Self-feeding made simple”. We’ve never found it complicated, tbh. Cheesy chips at shows especially straightforward. MORE TUCKING IN We will not name the rider responsible for the bestever reply to the “hope you had a nice Easter” email: “By the end of the Monday, I was made up of around 78% Mini Eggs and regretted nothing…” We can relate. PARENTING A mother was wondering at what age other parents had bought the first pony. “Mine’s not born yet and already has one,” another mother replied. Top work, that woman! CORNERS Overheard in a lesson: “Use your corners or Father Christmas isn’t coming!” Perfect. And sympathy to she who muttered: “So that’s why he didn’t come last year!” Lesson learned. SCAMMERS This…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. KEEP IT SIMPLE INTERESTINGLY, many people still keep horses largely in the same way they’ve always been kept. They are stabled for 12 or more hours a day then turned out, weather and land permitting, in small paddocks with grass that was improved for dairy cattle. However, I’ve been fortunate to keep my ponies on a homemade dry plot with the most suitable hay I can find. As a result, my horse has changed enormously – she is calm and happy in her work, safer to ride and happier to be ridden. So maybe keeping horses simply and naturally, mimicking as much of their normal way of living as possible, will encourage other aspects of their lives…

WHEN Nicola Naylor lost her sight, she could think of no reason to live. Having been partially sighted since childhood, she had showjumped on ponies, but this proved more challenging on horses. At 18, she thought a career in the equestrian world was not going to be possible, so went to university. And in her third year, the sight she did have failed. “I was suicidal,” she says. “I couldn’t see any point in anything. “But my life rebuilt, in so many ways. And now I can look back and say I’ve had the most wonderful time, especially in the last 15 years with horses coming back into my world, which I would never have had if I’d put an end to things at that point. I’m very grateful now…

RIDER PAUL BARKER “I BRED Green Grass out of a good mare I used to ride, Amira, and he’s named after one of the lead characters from the TV series Heartbeat. He was a cheeky foal and there was just something special about him, so we decided not to cut him. “I worked out that he might be pretty good as a four-year-old. He jumped newcomers at five and found it too easy, then won the HOYS [Horse of the Year Show] seven-year-old title and he’s just gone on from there. “One of the best moments for us has been winning at the Great Yorkshire for the past two years. A few riders have borrowed him over the years and it’s very satisfying to watch a horse that you’ve bred…

FRIGHTENINGLY, anyone can be a barefoot trimmer in the UK without any independent assessment of competence. There is a loophole in the Farriers (Registration) Act that means that only trimming a foot for the purpose of receiving a shoe is a regulated “act of farriery”. There is a plethora of organisations – some scientifically based, others definitely on the eccentric side – that train equine podiatrists, but due to the lack of regulation in the industry the safest option is to use a fully qualified farrier to do all barefoot trimming. Lantra (an awarding body for landbased industries) has approved a national occupational standard for barefoot trimming, and this is taught to apprentice farriers during their four-year apprenticeship. Farrier training has recognised the importance of trimming feet for unshod horses…

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HORTON POINT long held the record as the oldest horse to win Badminton, a title now held by Nereo. One a catch ride on a horse for whom the family had sacrificed everything including their house; the other a rider’s decades-long journey. Horton Point, who was 16 when he won in 1994, was bought by Lynne and Ros Bevan’s father as a foal and was ridden by both sisters, achieving four top-20 Badminton placings between them. Lynne broke her collarbone the weekend before Badminton 1994 and the sisters asked Mark Todd to take the ride, which he did – and won. Nereo (pictured), ridden by Andrew Nicholson, is the oldest winner following his 2017 triumph, aged 17. Andrew lifted the trophy on his 37th completion, two years after a serious…

THERE are several ways in which horses may help the therapeutic process. As prey animals, horses are skilled in reading non-verbal communication and are attuned to the environment around them. This makes them adept at picking up on the behaviours and emotions of those around them. Horses mirror human behaviour. This allows the therapist to use the horse’s reactions to discuss the reactions of other people, helping the person in therapy gain insight into their own relationships. Horses are sensitive to touch, and this can be used to introduce “safe” touch to someone who struggles with intimacy or has experienced physical abuse.…

THE skewbald mare Fluorescent Adolescent finished 14th with Canada’s Jessica Phoenix. “She is as colourful in personality as she is in looks,” said Jessica. “She loves people, loves treats, loves cameras.” “Lacey” was ridden up to three-star by Jessica’s student Makayla Rydzik, who still owns the now 17-year-old. She was bred by Jessica’s first eventing coach, Kelly Plitz, and her husband Ian Roberts, both Canadian Olympians. Her sire is the coloured stallion Gaudy, a son of Fidermark NRW (by Florestan I), and her dam Amelia (by Ali Baba) competed up to three-star with Kelly and Ian. After the pair’s clear cross-country jumping round, Jessica said: “Lacey is just such a competitor and even mistakes that I make, she just flawlessly makes up for them. She never holds it against me…

PHILIPPA HENDRY and Flyer Des Coupeaux (pictured) will be hoping to make it third time lucky at next week’s Badminton grassroots championships. The pair have twice picked up a frustrating 20 penalties across country when in a good position, but this time they head to Gloucestershire on the back of an astonishing purple patch in which they have won three times already this season, including at Calmsden where they headed the Event Horse Owners’ Association-sponsored owner/rider BE100. “It was a fantastic final run and the icing on the cake was the very generous extra £200 on offer,” said Philippa, who spent the first few years of her partnership with the now 10-year-old gelding nursing him back to health after he was diagnosed with a dorsal displacement of the soft palate.…

HIGHLIGHTS 7–20 April oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr Reaseheath College, Cheshire SISTERS Lauren and Jasmine Bone pocketed wins across the levels with a trio of horses. Training regularly with Charlotte Lutener and monthly with Hannah Moody, the girls impressed with diverse types and breeds. Lauren teamed up with her elementary 4 silver section winner, Sezsational – an under-21 elementary silver winner at the recent Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships – 18 months ago. “I first tried him in Germany, where he was scared by some pigeons on the arena roof and cantered around non-stop,” she said of the six-year-old Sezuan’s Donnerhall son. “He’s a hot horse, but he has an excellent feel and a lovely attitude. Now he’s learning how it all works, everything’s coming together.” “He just gets on with the job”…

Beechwood EC, Essex DIMINUTIVE dressage star Menai Sparkling Delight claimed medium straight and freestyle wins. A registered Welsh section D, who never quite made the height, the 13.2hh mare has progressed from prelim with Hannah Wyatt over a six-year affiliated career. “She’s a very jolly soul and was tricky as a youngster as she had a lot of sass, but she has settled with age,” said Hannah of the 15-year-old Valhallas Limelight daughter, known as Maggie or Maggot, depending on her behaviour. “She’s a little gem and brilliant for me. She doesn’t ride like a pony. She loves her work. “If we can keep her quieter in the changes, then hopefully we’ll try advanced medium,” added Hannah, who trains with Elaine Harvey. “Our freestyle is to a Matilda theme tune,…

THOMAS BARTRUP took a surprise victory in the British novice second round at Suffolk Equestrian Centre with Laura Ridgeway’s six-year-old Odine II (pictured). The Hotspot x Voltaire mare started her career with her owner but then spent the past year turned away, after Laura suffered a major brain bleed which has left her unable to ride. “We got her at the end of last year and took her on to give her the best chance in life,” said Thomas, who jumped the fastest of eight treble clears. “We brought her back into work at the start of this year and she’s only done a few shows – she got her double clears to qualify just last week. We thought we’d chance the second round but didn’t really have any expectations.…

HIGHLIGHTS 14–20 April bethan.simons@futurenet.com BSPS Area 4A, Fieldhouse Equestrian, Staffs DAVINIA JOHNSON and her beloved Exmoor, Stowbrook Red Kite, topped a strong field to win the Royal International (RIHS) open ridden Exmoor, Dartmoor and Shetland class. Kite impressed the judges with a balanced and expressive performance to secure his ticket to Hickstead, a fairy-tale result for a pony who, just over a year ago, wasn’t expected to be ridden again. “We’re calling this bonus season number two,” said Davinia. “After all he’s been through, every outing is a gift.” In November 2023, Kite began showing mild signs of colic. After initial treatment, Davinia’s instinct told her something was still wrong. A veterinary investigation revealed that Kite’s creatine levels were dangerously high and he was rushed to Rainbow Equine Hospital. “After…

THIS season’s champion conditional jockey is 19-year-old Freddie Gingell, with 39 winners. His grandfather is Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Colin Tizzard and his uncle is Colin’s successor, Joe Tizzard. Gingell’s mother Kim passed away in 2020. “It was only three years ago that I was point-to-pointing and it took off from there,” said Gingell. “Joe has been very good to me, almost like a brother. “Mum and granddad played a big part in my career and since I was old enough to go racing with granddad at the weekends, it was always my goal to be a jockey. “Dad and I really are like best friends as much as father and son. I am thankful for him being by my side and we get through every day together. “We have…

IT has been a case of only the best for Honeysuckle, who now has pride of place in the breeding operation of owner Kenny Alexander. The former chief executive of Entain, the gambling giant that owns Ladbrokes and Coral, bought New Hall Stud in Ayrshire and was very keen for Honeysuckle’s offspring to be born and raised in his native Scotland, before they raced in his pale blue and white silks. After retiring, the mare was sent to Coolmore’s Walk In The Park, last season’s champion sire of Britain and Ireland, who is responsible for the likes of Douvan and Jonbon. Although his fee is not published, it is believed to be the highest of any stallion in the National Hunt sphere. Late last March, she produced his white-blazed filly…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ THE FEI said there is a need to “explore a more balanced and comprehensive view of the sport”, after evidence was provided of “potential welfare issues hiding in plain sight”. H&H reported on pictures sent to the FEI, of “blue tongues” and open mouths in horses competing in World Cup dressage (news, 6 March). On 9 April, the group who sent them gave a presentation to the FEI, at FEI invitation. This featured “evidence documenting signs of pressure-induced harm in elite dressage horses”, the group said. “We shared this with the FEI because we believe scientific knowledge is sufficient to act. “Our position is clear: we do not need to inflict more pain on horses in experimental settings…

MORE HORSES INCLUDED IN ROR ALL throughbreds bred for racing in Britain are now eligible to be registered with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) as the industry seeks to improve equine traceability. RoR registration was only available to horses who had raced or been in training with a licensed trainer. But managing director David Catlow said the charity wanted to ensure all thoroughbreds bred for racing have “every opportunity to lead a wellsupported life beyond the racing industry”. He added that the shift is central to the charity’s 2024–2026 strategy. Eligibility for RoR’s competition series remains limited to those who have been in training, to “ensure a level playing field”, but the charity said that this “will remain under review”. BURGHLEY TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE TICKETS are on sale for…

Mars Badminton champions Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier won their final run, the Ballindenisk CCI4*-S, ahead of their title defence. Groom Adam Short won the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event $1,000 grooms’ prize for his turnout of Tom McEwen’s five-star ride Brookfield Quality. Dressage rider Emma Hindle, 49, has announced her retirement. Emma represented Britain at two Olympics, a Worlds and multiple Europeans. Welsh jockey Sean Bowen has been crowned National Hunt champion for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old rode 180 winners this season. Redwings vet Nicola Jarvis has won the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons inspiration award for her work in the creation of the charity’s equine vet nurse team.…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle KENTUCKY is one of those places where they say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Event week this year lived up to that, with everything from biting wind to monsoon-like rain and blazing sun. Ask any foreign rider why they come to Kentucky and they say they just love it there; it’s easy to see why. The permanent facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park are excellent, the main stadium is impressive and Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course always gets a result without punishing horses. The Americans also can’t do enough for their visitors. You know as soon as they hear a British accent, they’ll ask where you’re from and give you a warm welcome. At the Wednesday night party for riders, connections and officials –…

GREEN GRASS Age: 13 Breeding: home-bred by Luidam out of Amira II (by Grandeur) Riders: Paul Barker, Charlie Barker and John Whitaker (also Robert Whitaker, Adrian Speight and Sarah Mousley) Breeder: Paul Barker Owner: Lynne Barker Greatest achievements: 2019, sixth HOYS grade C final, fourth Foxhunter final, third talent seekers final (Paul Barker); 2021, first CSI5* London International two-phase, first CSI4* Montefalco speed class (John Whitaker), first South View international trial (Paul Barker); 2022, first Northcote winter grand prix (Paul Barker); 2023, third HOYS speed horse of the year, first Royal Lancashire area trial, second South View British masters grand prix (Paul Barker), first CSIO5* Rome six-bar (John Whitaker); 2024, first South View British masters grand prix (Paul Barker), first winter national 1.35m championship (Paul Barker), consecutive winner of the…

● Hooves with bad grass cracks are likely to deteriorate severely without shoes. It may be best to address these before going barefoot. ● Unshod horses who are turned out still need regular hoof care from a registered farrier. ● If your horse uses short strides, looks uncomfortable, or is reluctant to walk out without shoes – listen to what they’re telling you! ● Horses with good strong hoof walls may cope well without shoes, but few can work consistently on roads or concrete without shoes. ● Horses with collapsed heels may benefit from a period without shoes to allow more even heel growth, but only if accompanied by high quality foot care. ● To get full benefit from not wearing shoes may take six to eight months as the…

MARS BADMINTON PREVIEW Follow all the action with H&H ● Horse & Hound will have four journalists and a photographer on the ground at Badminton throughout the competition. WEBSITE HORSE & HOUND will be creating extensive online coverage of Badminton in addition to what will be included in the magazine report. Our coverage will include: ● course photos of the five-star track on Wednesday, 7 May ● course photos of the LeMieux Grassroots Championships tracks on Wednesday, 7 May ● times for the next day’s competition and preview pieces so you know who and what to watch out for ● breaking news and numerous reports on all the action as it unfolds throughout the event ● interviews with first-timers, comeback stars, British heroes, grooms and more ● daily video round-ups…

DEFENDER KENTUCKY 24–27 April Edited by Pippa Roome pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle Defender Kentucky, USA MICHAEL JUNG was hailed “the greatest event rider there has ever been” by Harry Meade as he won his fifth Kentucky five-star title. The home side’s runner-up, Boyd Martin, said: “Michael is an inspiration to me – I often watch videos and try to copy him. I’ve never seen a rider so good in all three phases and he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest event riders ever.” Harry, who took third and fourth for Britain, went further: “I don’t think there will be anyone better ever – when you are living in the moment you don’t appreciate it, but I think he’ll be remembered in 50 years’ time as the best ever.” Michael’s ride, FischerChipmunk…

POLICE officer Suzannah Nellis steered her own Nenthorn Red Squirrel to BE90 victory at the Agria Lifetime Equine Oasby (2). “I was pleased with our clear showjumping round as Squirrel hasn’t had much experience jumping on grass,” said Suzannah, 26, who works for North Yorkshire Police. “I bought her as a four-year-old from her breeders, Alison Allan and Jenny Wilson at Nenthorn Equestrian Centre in the Scottish Borders. She hadn’t even jumped a fence when I first tried her, so she was a completely blank canvas. “Like most amateurs, my dream is to qualify for Badminton grassroots and after this result, we will definitely now be aiming for a regional final.” FIRST WIN…

“HE’S not been the easiest, so this achievement is really rewarding,” said Megan Tucker, who rode Pablo IX to an overall victory in the prelim 4 at Mendip Plains, Somerset, with 74%. ONES TO WATCH “To have such a big win is pretty cool.” Bred in the Netherlands, five-year-old Pablo came Megan’s way early last year, via a home in Devon. “He’s quite quirky in lots of ways, on the ground and when ridden, and he can be a handful,” she said. “He’s a real character – a bit goofy, which is why we love him. “Our first show last November was an absolute disaster as he was so scatty and against me; he couldn’t produce good work,” added Megan, who trains with her mum, Courtney Tucker. “We’ve done a…

JONATHAN EGMORE smashed the discovery second round at Suffolk Equestrian Centre by an assertive 4.8sec with the eight-year-old Moonlight R. “I was fourth to go of 19 in the jump-off, so what can you do?” he said. “I tried to be careful enough to jump a clear but do enough to put a bit of pressure on. He is naturally a reasonably quick horse, who is smooth and forward-going.” Jonathan bought the low-mileage 16.3hh last year as his rider found him a bit strong. “He was brought over from Hungary. They asked me to ride him at the end of last summer and I ended up buying him,” John said. “He’ll step up to Foxhunter now. He has all the ability in the world and is careful but needs more…

GIFTED to Hannah Horton by the Gail Brown Racing Syndicate, and kindly managed by Anthony and Georgina Andrews, former Group-class racehorse Migration made a striking impression at Hartpury, landing the first SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse (R2R) qualifier of the season. The nine-year-old gelding, who was trained by David Menuisier until he retired from racing in March 2024, amassed over £200,000 in prize money on the track. Although he qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year, he was only lightly shown, and this marks his first full season. Since last term he has grown in strength, presence and confidence. “He has matured over the winter,” says rider and producer Hannah Horton. “He’s a lovely character at home and has been a joy to retrain. He loves his…

SANDOWN PARK 26 April jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Bet365 Jump Finale, Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey AFTER a Herculean effort from both Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton in the trainers’ championship battle, it was the Irish trainer who conquered, claiming his second successive British title. Skelton had led the title race since the opening day of the season last May, but watched his pre-Aintree advantage of £1.3m dwindle to just £68,483 with an all-out assault from the Closutton battalion in the final weeks. The Warwickshire trainer described the prospect of Sandown’s finale as like “walking out to face the executioner” and the inevitable might of the Mullins army toppled Skelton with a spectacular winning treble. “The past few weeks have been tough, but they must have been tough for Dan too because I…

SILVER SPUR 26 April catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase Silver Spur, Warks WILLIAM FOX GRANT and Iona Lad defended their Silver Spur crown in a rollercoaster running of the season finale. The pair have been in buoyant form this season and came to Bicester with Whaddon Chase country on the back of a winning tilt at the Wynnstay the previous week (hunting, 24 April). “I’m thrilled,” said William, who also won the veteran prize, crediting fitness and the work by his groom, Laura Glover-Mott, for their purple patch. “I’ve got a lot fitter and we take the horse to Seamus Mullins’s [gallops], which has been key – we’ve got him super-fit.” They led off, swooping up the hill and out of sight, where the drama rapidly unfolded. Iona…

WHEN one of Adam’s joint-masters’ husbands was sworn in as high sheriff of Northumberland, they invited us along to the installation service in one of the local churches. I was a bit hazy about the ins and outs of sheriffhood before we went. In my mind, a mash-up of Alan Rickman playing the Sheriff of Nottingham in one of the Robin Hood films and Rosco in The Dukes of Hazzard. Fortunately, a senior judge in full regalia was there to give us a brief rundown of the role; the oldest secular office in Britain after the Crown. Long ago, as the monarch’s representative, the high sheriff had responsibility for collecting taxes, judging court cases and the power to raise a mob to tackle villains. These days, they still have an…

THE discovery of a Roman horses’ graveyard shows a soldier’s grief at the loss of his partner, 1,800 years later. An excavation by the state office for monument preservation (LAD) in Germany found the remains of more than 100 skeletons. The horses belonged to a Roman cavalry unit at Hallschlag in the second century and the find gives “unique insights into use of horses by the Roman army”. LAD said that in the first half of the century, the military base at Bad Cannstatt, now part of Stuttgart, was one of the most important in the area. Sarah Roth, the archaeologist in charge, said: “Based on the archaeological and historical knowledge of the Roman Bad Cannstatt, the horses can be assigned to the cavalry unit stationed at Hallschlag from approximately…

bethan.simons@futurenet.com I STARTED the North of England Spring show in 1990 simply because southern competitors had one. This year there was a great atmosphere: reminiscent of the old days, no doubt helped by the glorious weather. I joked that it seemed to have a soporific effect on stressed exhibitors akin to horses relaxing under a solarium. Elevating the show once again were the exciting prizes on offer, which were kindly donated by leading brands, ranging from children’s books to bottles of champagne. There is nothing more rewarding for a show secretary than receiving rave reviews on their event, but let us not forget the amazing contributions of the hard-working officials and the all-important sponsors. However, it was not all plain sailing behind the scenes. OPINION Why do some competitors still…

My first horsey encounters were in early childhood on a farm. I was fascinated by the animals and when I saw that people could ride horses, I was captivated. I took every opportunity to be near them and, soon enough, I had my first lessons. It all started with pony rides at the farm. As a teenager, an instructor took notice of me and asked if I could imagine a life at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. He was a successful dressage rider and had good connections with the Spanish Riding School. To be honest, I’d never considered it. He trained with a chief rider, and once took me with him to the stables. He trusted me enough to let me ride his horse so the chief rider could…

DEFENDER KENTUCKY Phase-by-phase analysis DRAWN relatively early, Michael Jung set a new Kentucky record when he powered to a dressage score of 18.6 on FischerChipmunk FRH. The 17-year-old bay put in a flawless test, demonstrating how established he is in his work, and earned six 10s. Boyd Martin moved into second on a score of 26 as the last rider to go, despite riding in “freaking monsoon” conditions. The US rider said of the 12-year-old Commando 3: “He’s flamboyant, he’s goodlooking, he has presence and enthusiasm. In a weird kind of way, maybe the rain helped – he was sort of keeping his head down a bit.” Tom McEwen claimed third for Britain with Brookfield Quality, just 0.2 of a penalty behind Boyd, commenting: “He’s never let anyone down –…

Chard (1), Dorset ERIN DOVEY triumphed in BE90 section E on the ultimate all-rounder, Moneyhills Pageant. The 14.1hh New Forest gelding, who was bred by Erin’s parents, has turned his hoof to hunting (with the New Forest) and other Pony Club activities. He has even contested the New Forest point-to-point – a traditional, Boxing Day orienteering-type competition, in which riders with New Forest and part-bred New Forest ponies race each other between start and finish points. “He’s a very cool pony who loves his work,” said Erin, 16. “I was particularly pleased with our dressage score [29.5], because my aim is always to get a sub-30 and it was good preparation for our next outing – the Badminton Grassroots Championships.” Also heading to Badminton are BE90 section I winners, Susanna…

Speetley EC, Derbys STEPH GUNN claimed a one-two in the silver league qualifier, topping the line-up with her home-bred Quianti E and finishing in the runner-up position riding Leilaroos. Quianti (Effy) looked to be revelling in her return to the ring after having a foal last year. “She weaned her foal in December and then has just been getting fit over the last couple of months,” Steph explained “This was her biggest class since and she seemed to be having a nice time!” Nine-year-old Effy is out of one of Steph’s first horses after coming off ponies, Shiraz E, and by her stallion Quastor Du Buisson Z, whom she lost in Spain a few years ago. “She’s out of my favourite mare and by my favourite stallion, so we wanted…

JOCKEY Caoilin Quinn and trainers Gary and Josh Moore united for a spectacular double in Sandown’s opening two races. Give It To Me Oj (pictured, sheepskin noseband) won the bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle, before Mark Of Gold claimed the bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase, both under top weight. IN FORM Four-year-old Give It To Me Oj has won twice on the bounce, after finishing fourth in a Grade One at Aintree. “He’s always been a nice horse and has exceeded all our expectations today,” said Gary Moore. “For a four-year-old to carry 12 stone is a very good performance.”…

HONEYSUCKLE became the poster girl of Irish jumps racing, but she is originally a product of Dorset. She was bred by Chedington Estate’s Dr Geoffrey Guy, who was involved in a partnership with Doug and Lucy Procter at The Glanvilles Stud near Sherborne, which bred Grade One winner Sam Spinner. Honeysuckle’s dam, First Royal, had won on the Flat and been placed over hurdles in Germany. She was bought as a job lot from another owner-breeder, David Brace of Dunraven Stud in Wales. The Glanvilles operates commercially and Honeysuckle was offered as a three-year-old store at Tattersalls Ireland, where she was sold to Mark O’Hare, the rider for her point-to-point win, for €9,500 (£7,900). To Doug’s credit, he has never been bitter about this fact and admitted her sire, Sulamani,…