A horse which is “every bit a future champion” swept to the top of the Queen’s Cup competition in the royal highland’s main arena on the Saturday of judging.
This year it was contested by the light horse section champions and Jane Carey and the stanley Grange showTeam, from Great Ayton, in Middlesbrough, prevailed courtesy of the movement of their part-bred Arab in-hand champion stanley Grange Coral Bay.
The three-year-old bay filly, which is a daughter of Dolphin supreme, had already stood champion of the hack breeding at Bath and West this season.
“She shone out as a beautiful mover,” said Queen’s Cup judge Joyce Coltart, from Ayrshire. “She really is very typey and you can easily see her potential for the future as an intermediate under saddle.
“She is every bit a future champion,” she added.
Unshown by the team as a two-year-old, the bay filly had previously stood reserve for the Cuddy twice during her yearling show season.
Across the remaining light horse sections a number of horse of the Year show qualifiers were secured by Courier Country horses and riders.
The working hunter pony championship and HOYS intermediate worker ticket went to Dunfermline withVictor IV, which made light work of Graham Barclay’s testing working hunter track with scottish young rider Holly Miller.
His win was witnessed from the sidelines by owner Caroline orr, who produces the 11-year-old grey gelding from her home at halbeath, outside Dunfermline, with training from Douglas Duffin.
Third in the same class at the highland last year, and second the year previously, Victor has been hugely consistent over natural fences, and is the reigning Gold Cup winner from the BSPS winter championships.
He also recently won the supreme working hunter pony championship at scottish BSPS just the previous weekend. He will return to Birmingham in October, having previously finished sixth at the final last year and will
contest the HOYS track against Caroline’s second intermediate horse, Laura’s Pride, which together with Caroline took the same championship at the Highland last year, but which is currently being campaigned from Penrith by rider Mark Davidson.
During the considerable mountain and moorland Horse of the Year show qualifying classes, held throughout the previous morning, Dunedin Merlin made the 2014 Royal Highland one to remember for Lindsay Macdonald, from Cromlix, Dunblane.
Drawn forward top of the hoYs qualifying class for highland Ponies, Lindsay was euphoric at the success of the eight-year-old gelding, which was very well received by the ringside.
Already champion of the ridden highland section under different judges at the show on Friday, their win takes them south to Birmingham for the first time.
Although Merlin fell shy of the HOYS M and M ridden championship, the Welsh section D winner renvarg the Mystic from Lisa Wigglesworth was an equally popular leader.
Already qualified for hoYs this year at the Derbyshire Festival, his gallop and that of the eventual reserve, the Fifebred pony and Welsh B winner Waxwing rose-hip, from Mesdames Aitken and Caldwell proved a real crowd pleaser.
“He had such a lovely presence,” explained the small breeds ride judge Fiona Cameron, from Melrose, of the champion. “He is well put together, with a deep body and he just covered the ground so well.”
These sentiments were echoed by conformation judgeTony Bell, from Larne: “He gave a beautiful ride, and he’s such a good, old-fashioned type of pony.”
Equally active in and outside of the show circuit, this stallion hunts regularly with the North East Cheshire. Taking rider Miranda Houghton to HOYS for the first time, Waxwing Rose-Hip has also enjoyed a good run towards the highland.
The six-year-old dun by eyarth Beau Geste, which was bred by Tom Best and David Blair, of the Waxwing Stud, was novice champion at NPS scotland summer show and stood supreme heritage champion at BSPS Scotland just the previous weekend.
Meanwhile, among the remaining sections over the weekend, Montrose-based young rider Angus Hourston, aged five, lifted his first Royal Highland Championship with his lead rein pony Rocksgreen Cold Mountain, in partnership with his mother Tessa.
Cold Mountain, a true family pony, is also first ridden by sister sophie, and has stood champion at Central and West Fife and Angus shows this season.
RESULTS – Royal Highland Show, 2014 (Saturday and Sunday judging)
Queen’s Cup Jane Carey, c/o Stanley Grange Show Team, Great Ayton, Middlesbrough, with three-year-old part-bred filly Stanley Grange Coral Bay, sired by Dolphin Supreme and bred by Jerome Harforth out of Shimmering Silk. Champion of the hack breeding section at Bath and West this year, she has twice previously stood reserve in the Cuddy at Three Counties and at NPS Area 4 as a yearling.
Arab, Anglo and part-bred Arab in-hand Jane Carey, c/o Stanley Grange Show Team, with Queen’s Cup winner Stanley Grange Coral Bay. Reserve: Joyce Robertson, Toad Hollow, Middle Bodachra, Parkhill, Aberdeen, with purebred two-year-old chestnut filly Audlla Rose, sired by Audemars PA and home-bred out of Psynammon, which was junior champion at the Arabian Group show.
Arab, Anglo and part-bred Arab ridden Marion MacLennan, the Paddock, Woodend, Croy, with six-year-old part-bred gelding Blaellain DB’s Dark Shadow, sired by Blawllain Doodleba and bred out of Blawllain Zetas Dream. Ridden by David Froggat, this was only their second show outing, having already stood novice and open champion at the Scottish Arabian Show at Ingliston. Reserve: Mary Nicoll-Thompson, Wallaceton Farm, Lugar, Cumnock, with 10-year-old mare Fyrefly, sired by Fairlyn Gemini and bred by Mrs E Walkinshaw out of Broadstone Dee, which has twice previously stood intermediate champion at the Royal Highland. Qualified for HOYS at Derbyshire Festival and qualified for RIHS in intermediate, Arab and riding horse. Ridden by Kimberley Nicoll.
Mountain and moorland working hunter ponies Stephanie Wheway, Grakimor Cottage, Croughton Road, Stoak, Chester, with seven-year-old New Forest mare Bisterne Diva, sired by Burley Dunedin and bred by the Turnbulls out of Little Miss Merry. Qualified as a ridden M&M the previous day for HOYS at Lincoln County, second as a worker at both Lincoln and South of England, qualified for the Royal International. Placed fifth at HOYS last year. Reserve: Becca MacMillan, Haugh Farmhouse, Newbridge, Edinburgh, with nine-year-old Welsh section C gelding Coathamdene Just-Dylan, sired by Tyreos Survivor and bred by Mrs A Carr out of Popsters Just Devine. Champion at Fife, open champion and reserve supreme at NPS Summer Show and qualified for the RIHS at NPS Spring Show. Also competes in endurance and recently completed a 50km ride.
Side saddle Mrs Rosamund Lane, Rosslayne Stud, Raeburnhead, Lockerbie, with 11-year-old Irish sports horse gelding Conspiracy Theory, sired by Cavalier Two for Joy and bred by Ciaran Devlin out of Flagmounts Girl, only lightly shown this season but qualified for the Royal International as a lightweight, amateur and ladies hunter. Finished fourth as a ladies hunter at HOYS last year and previously won at the Royal Highland. Reserve: Marjorie Grant, Thriepland Wynd, Perth, with 14-year-old Highland pony mare Trailtrow Eriskay, sired by Carrick Raasay and bred out of Trailtrow Ealasaid, which competes to elementary level for British Dressage and which recently won at Strathearn Hunter Trials at Gleneagles.
Show hunter ponies Kathleen Allen, Summerville Rd, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, with 10-year-old part-bred Welsh skewbald gelding Millpond Look So Cheeky, sired by Honeypot Sporran and out of Chirk Calypso. Qualified for HOYS at the Derbyshire Festival and has been to HOYS three times previously, as a coloured, being placed fourth, fifth and sixth. Qualified for the Royal International at Cheshire County. Champion coloured at the Royal Highland in 2012 and the only coloured to qualify for HOYS as a coloured, show hunter and worker. Ridden by Glen Allen. Reserve: Mary-Rose Boundy, c/o Hillcrest Tockholes Rd, Tockholes, Darwen, with 12-yearold gelding Silken Ruler, sired by Song of Freedom and out of Burkes Supreme Diamond. Champion at the BSPS area show. Ridden by Abigail Gresty.
Mini show hunter ponies Evelyn Tate, Fir Tree House, Kirklevington, Yarm, with five-year-old lead rein pony Gorfenletch Pendragon, sired by Haighend Highlight and bred out of Lockar Moondaisy. Ridden by eight-year-old Sophie Alice Brooks. This pony previously qualified for the RIHS at North East Counties and stood champion at Northumberland County. Reserve: Emily Archibald, Dromore Farm, Lochfoot, Dumfries, with 14-year-old chestnut gelding Neuaddparc Magician, sired by Synod Amstrong and bred out of Neuaddparc Black Lace, an experienced schoolmaster that has previously been ninth at HOYS. Ridden by Madelaine Archibald.
Show ponies George McCartney, c/o Nicoll Show Team, with the seven-yearold mare Crafton Blythe Spirit, sired by Strinesdale Matador and bred out of Crafton Spirit of Matilda, ridden by Katelin McCartney. Champion and qualified for the RIHS at the BSPS winter championships, and reserve at Derbyshire Festival. Reserve: Anne Torrens, Willmount Road, Omagh, with the 10-year-old gelding Chiddock Unlimited Edition, sired by Blaircourt Franko and out of Chiddock Fishwife. Ridden by Jennifer Torrens. Champion at Cavan and Ballymena.
Mini show ponies Tessa Hourston, Craigbrae, Lowervraighill, St Cyrus, Montrose, with 12-year-old gelding Rocksgreen Cold Mountain, sired by Deanshill Royal Portrait and bred out of Devon Mazurka. Ridden lead rein by five-year-old Angus Hourston. Champion at Angus and reserve at Central and West Fife shows. Reserve: LM Equestrian, Bognie Place, Forgur, Huntly, with the second-placed lead rein pony Cosford Perkins, a seven-year-old gelding sired by Stanley Grange Cocktail and out of Bengad Pernettya, ridden by three-yearold Shiloh Allan. Twice previously supreme at Black Isle Show.
Intermediate Anne Gresty, Hillcrest Tockholes Road, Tockholes, with eight-yearold gelding Braeglen Masterpiece, sired by Willowcroft Regal Bronze and out of Blue Tina. Ridden by Abigail Gresty. Qualified for RIHS in part-bred Arab and show riding type classes, supreme at Red Rose County and second at Royal Windsor. Reserve: Samantha Burkhill, Clairinish, Balloch, with 10-yearold gelding Master Klass, sired by Master Imp and out of Lady Luck Charm. Previously supreme at Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt, champion at Stirling and third in small hunters on Thursday at the Royal Highland.
Donkeys Lorraine Rae, Dukesfield Manor, Bamburgh, Northumberland, with Gamlingay Confetti, a three-year-old filly by Gamlingay Prophecy and out of Happy Valley Tom’s Dream on its first outing. In 2013 was champion at Bowes, Cumberland and Border Union. Reserve: Elma Cunningham, Hillhead Farm, Yieldshields, Carluke, with the six-year-old gelding Gamlingay Mickey Me, sired by Peppercorn the Patriarch and out of Gamlingay Look At Me, champion at Glendale last year.
Working hunter ponies Caroline Orr, Halbeath Farm, Kingseat Road, Dunfermline, with nine-year-old grey gelding Victor IV, sired by Casco and out of Ramiona. Ridden by Holly Miller, from Insch. Gold cup champion at BSPS Winter Championship, Scottish champion and ‘best of the best’ champion at BSPS Scotland Summer Championships. Reserve: Catherine Sheret, Ivy Cottage, Hilton, Yarm, with 13-year-old gelding the Pied Piper, sired by Garryhinch Prince and out of Penny. Ridden by Holly Aitken. Placed first at the Royal Highland last year and finished third at HOYS. Qualified for RIHS at Area 3B and 1B.
Ridden Clydesdale Annette Noble, Peggyslea, Nine Mile Burn, Penicuik, with three-year-old gelding Peggyslea Andy, sired by Millisle Solway Bay and home-bred out of Ingleston Princess. Ridden by 17-year-old Ailsa Noble. Never previously shown under saddle, but gelding champion on Thursday at the Royal Highland. Reserve: George M Skinner, Strathorn Farm, Pitcaple, Inverurie, with four-year-old gelding Ha Durran Dan Dare, sired by Great American Ben Franklin, and bred by Mr Cormack out of Fieldhiead Amazing Grace. Previously third at Fife.
Mountain and Moorland ridden Miss Lisa Wigglesworth, Church Road, Bolton, Kearsley, with five-year-old Welsh section D stallion Renvarg the Mystic, sired by Synod Replica and bred by Mr C Gravner out of Renvarg Poppy. Previously champion and qualified for HOYS at the Derbyshire Festival and champion at Cheshire. Hunts with the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt and was bought from his breeder as a three year old. Reserve: Mesdames Aitken and Caldwell, Broomhill Farm, Fergushill, Kilwinning, with six-year-old Welsh section B gelding Waxwing Rose-Hip, sired by Eyarth Beau Geste and bred by the Waxwing Stud out of Mynach Mary-Rose, which stood Picton (Novice) champion at the NPS Scotland Summer Show, was supreme heritage champion at the BSPS Scottish Summer championships and contesting its first HOYS qualifiers.
Coloured horses and ponies ridden Mrs Emma Green, Higher View Farm, Moorgate Road, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, with the 11-year-old traditional piebald stallion Appollo II, of unknown breeding, which previously stood champion in-hand as a yearling at the Great Yorkshire, and has since qualified for HOYS four times under saddle, finishing as the highest placed traditional on three occasions, and placing third twice as well as fourth. Reserve: Michelle Cuerden, Ratten Lane, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire, with the 10-yearold traditional piebald stallion Del-Boy V, of unknown breeding, which was second at Lincoln, third at the Northern Championships, has qualified for the Royal International and was champion at CHAPS Spring. This stallion previously won at HOYS in 2010 and has also been placed fifth and sixth at HOYS on two other occasions.
Coloured horses and ponies in-hand Miss Ashley Anderson, Ashlea, Bridge Street, Halkirk, with three-year-old skewbald partbred Arab filly Freckleton First Class, sired by Co Pilot and bred by Penny Roots out of Only Hoping, which stood supreme in-hand coloured at Ayr this year. As a yearling, she stood reserve champion at the Royal Highland, reserve at the North of England, overall champion at Caithness and supreme in-hand at Equifest. Reserve: Shirley Moro, Redhall House, Fordoun, Laurencekirk, with the four-year-old traditional gelding The Entertainer II, sired by The Fortune Teller and home-bred out of Miss Marple, which stood reserve coloured at Fife Show, first at the Cabin and champion at the Royal Northern Spring Show. He also previously stood first at the Highland as a yearling.