Monday, 23 October 2023
Amateur rider, Laura Tylor took top spot in the 2023 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on 4 October in the International Arena at the Birmingham NEC with her ex-racehorse, Reality Bites.
Three of the placed horses in the final were produced and ridden by amateur riders in the 2023 running of this series set up by SEIB Insurance Brokers to help give thoroughbreds a second career after retiring from the racecourse. The final was judged by Terry Pendry LVO, BEM and Sara Leatherbarrow.
The late HM The Queen’s former Stud groom, Terry Pendry said: “The winning horse was simply beautiful, he was well-handled and had a wonderful loose walk. He was straight, correct and turned out immaculately. The ride judge rode him beautifully.
“I rode myself as an apprentice on the Scottish circuit back in the mid-60’s for two and a half years, and since then have thoroughly enjoyed the remedial side with Her-Majesty’s ex-racehorses – particularly Barbers Shop and First Receiver with Katie Jerram-Hunnable. It gives me a great buzz to help give the racehorses a new career, the only downfall is that now they are so immaculately turned out for the show ring, their trainers are realizing they can get a bit more money for them when they finish racing!”
A thrilled Laura Tylor said of her win: “It’s the sort of thing you dream about, I am simply blown away by this win! Reg is the yard pet at home, he is the nicest person. He really likes his work, we have taken to showing as it is what he enjoys doing.”
Reg’s previous owner, former point-to-point trainer, Cynnie Crawford was at HOYS watching Reg and Laura take on the thirteen other competitors in the championship. Cynnie said: “We had Reg for a few years, he was trained by Clare Hart. When he was looking for a new home, Laura came along and she was the right person for him, I’m delighted Reg has a home for life.”
Laura and Reg qualified for the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship at the Arena UK qualifier. As an amateur rider, Laura was also eligible to enter the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying class on the day at Arena UK. Reg, went beautifully in this class to and the pair also earned a Search for a Star HOYS ticket in the Riding Horse Hack final. The pair duly took second place in the HOYS Search for a Star Riding Horse final too, rounding off a very successful few days!
A horse on his third visit to HOYS in this championship, Wonga Swinger, owned and ridden by Tori Thomas took runner-up spot for the second year running. This 13-year-old bay gelding by Lucky Story was in training with Tori’s husband, former gold cup winning jockey, Sam Thomas where he won and was placed over fences. The pair took 5th place in the 2022 final. Tori said: ‘Wonga Swinger never really enjoyed his racing although he was a great jumper’.
Hannah Horton and five-year-old Mahomes, owned by his breeders, Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber took third place. Mahomes was in training with John Gosden, for whom he ran three times. Hannah said: “Mahomes loves being a show horse, he is a poser and has really found his niche!”
Hazel Hill and former champion amateur jockey, Jane Williams took fourth place. Jane said: “We bought him as a five-year-old from a point-to-point yard in Ireland and he is now fifteen. He has won so many point-to-points and even won the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in 2021. He now leads ponies and goes hunting!” This placing was on the back of winning the title of Supreme Horse at the recent Aintree Ex-Racehorse showing Championships.
The ultra-consistent First Fandango took 5th place with Lizzie Harris, for his owner, Hannah Chisham. Imperial Ruby took 6th for his owner Sar Cassidy-Hill, he was ridden by Jessica Smith while his regular rider, Sarah Llewellyn piloted her other horse, Deep Challenger in the class. Diana Taylor’s Festive Fare ridden by Katie-Jo Nixon took 7th and Qulinton and Thea Geake took 8th place. In 9th was amateur ridden and produced horse, Grey Life, owned by Louise Todd and ridden by Kirsten Mellor.
SEIB Marketing Manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “We have had a brilliant series of Racehorse to Riding Horse this year. Having introduced the amateur only qualifier at Stoneleigh, allowing a further two horses to come forward to HOYS, it is wonderful to see amateur riders do so well at HOYS. Its been several years since an amateur ridden and produced horse won and a great incentive for people to get out there and give this class a go. Many thanks to HOYS for allowing us the two extra horses in the championship. We were also delighted to see our 2021 winners Minella Rebellion and Katie Dashwood win and go champion in the Riding Horses here at HOYS. This was a first and just goes to show how ex-racehorses are truly making their mark at the very top end of showing.”
Leading equine Insurance brokers, SEIB Insurance Brokers provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more. The company has a long association with the showing world and is renowned for ‘putting something back’ by supporting equestrian events and activities.
For full details, rules and entry forms visit www.seib.co.uk/competitions . Find SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SEIBR2R.
For insurance queries visit www.seib.co.uk or call 01708 850000.