Will it be fourth time lucky for SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS qualifier Clonard Lad?
The ever consistent Clonard Lad (Presenting x Formidable (USA)) took the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class at Osbaldeston. Now 12-years-old, this is the fourth time that this lovely chestnut has qualified for HOYS with Paul Langrick in the saddle. His owner Rebecca O’Neil said: “Each year he has done better at HOYS – he has been seventh, sixth and was fourth last year so hopefully he will keep improving! He owes me absolutely nothing and Paul rides him beautifully. I have known Paul for 20 years and he always puts the horse first and never rushes anything.”
Clonard Lad has also previously qualified for HOYS in the large riding horse class. He was in training with Willie Mullins over in Ireland and then came to the UK where he ran once for Mike Sowersby before beginning his career in the show-ring.
In second place and taking the other qualifying spot in the racehorses at Osbaldeston was Rebecca Lowe’s, Singing Hinnie (Halling (USA) x Polar Falcon (USA)) with Chris Hunnable in the saddle. Singing Hinnie had a successful showing season in 2017 taking the reserve champion title at both Aintree and Hickstead.
Rebecca, who works as a farrier in Newmarket said: “I asked Katie Jerram and Chris to have Hinnie as I was so busy at work, but then I broke my knee and damaged my cruciate ligament and it will be a while before I am able to ride again. We did a few SEIB classes last year but didn’t qualify so we are really delighted to get through on our first attempt this year. Hinnie was in training with Mark Tompkins, she ran three times but was no good, she loves her showing though. We will also be trying to qualify her for HOYS and RIHS in the large riding horse classes.” Rebecca formerly campaigned Astrobrava, who also came from Mark Tompkins’ yard, in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse classes.
1st Paul Langrick riding Clonard Lad
2nd Chris Hunnable riding Singing Hinnie
3rd Donna Bamonte riding Valentine Jak
4th Kirstine Douglas riding Rich Man Poor Man
5th Jo Jacks riding Free Diamonds
6th Elizabeth Brown riding Washington Winkle
