Fandango is foot perfect

Two supreme champions are found in a “jack of-all-trades” ex-racehorse and an impeccable riding horse

- ALEX ROBINSON

Wiltshire Spring, West Wilts EC

HANNAH CHISMAN and her 14-year-old ex-racehorse First Fandango (Freddie) lifted the amateur Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) class before heading the section title en route to Sunday’s supreme of show. Freddie, who was trained by Tim Vaughan, finished racing in May 2017 after running 50 times and achieving seven wins over his career.

“I had his full-brother, Nicene Creed, who I qualified for Horse of the Year Show [HOYS],” said home-producer Hannah, who works full-time in the racing industry as a driver. “I paid £300 for Freddie and he’s been the easiest horse. He’s so versatile; he won the RoR dressage final at Aintree in 2019, he events, he team chases and he showjumps.”

Hannah has been “knocking on the door” with Freddie for some time and has HOYS in her sights.

“I hope this will be his year,” added Hannah. “He’s Mr Chilled and takes any atmosphere in his stride. Freddie is kept on DIY livery and as I’m also a mother, I squash him into my schedule wherever I can.”

The Leeman family’s Kellythorpe Stud impressed once again, with Frazer Atherden and Kellythorpes Obsession winning the Royal International (RIHS) riding horse tricolour, before netting Saturday’s supreme on their pubic debut together. The Kilvington Scoundrel eight-yearold is out of the stud’s foundation mare Meacham Mambo No 5, a former H&H mare of the year nominee.