Pepper packs a punch

Last year’s HOYS Shire champion books her return to reclaim the crown, while a Welsh pony from a prolific stud upholds family honour

- TRICIA JOHNSON

THE stage has been set for a rerun of last year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Shire showdown, as both first and second-placed horses earned their return tickets here after retaining their mare and stallion national titles.

The concluding female battle saw victory go to the 2023 NEC victor, the imposing five-year-old Batley Pepper Gray, shown by owner Rob Bedford of Hartcliff Shires.

“This was her first outing since Birmingham,” said Rob’s wife Alex. “She wintered out and has really matured; we think she is looking and going better than ever, so we were quietly confident today.

“She’s a granddaughter of our 2008 national champion, Boothay Richard, and we hope to put her in foal next year.”

Pepper will now have a quiet season, as Alex is expecting the couple’s second child in May.