'He's a cracking horse'

A grand prix prospect sets the bar high as a multi-talented mare and two marvellous cobs also impress

- ANDREA OAKES

"HE definitely has the engine," said Georgie Day of her "mini Ferrari" Waverley Night Music, who headed the prix st georges (PSG) with 67.79% on his debut at the level. "He's sharp but in a nice, goey way, with so much energy. If he could, he'd come out to work 10 times a day."

The nine-year-old Negro gelding, nicknamed Nemo, originally belonged to Georgie's mum, Mandy, and Edward Brook, having been purchased as a foal from Waverley Stud.

"He was too sharp for Mum, so I took on the ride when he was a four-year-old - and never gave him back," explained Georgie, who has competed him at the nationals every year since. "Because we buy and sell horses, we reached the point when it was time to sell. Luckily, they kindly let me buy him with mates' rates.

"He's a cracking horse and I'd love to do some premier leagues and have fun with him," added Georgie, who has grand prix in her sights. "This is a good start at PSG, but it sets the bar quite high."

At advanced medium, Miriam Scott-Goddard claimed straight and freestyle wins with Woodlander Santiago. Back in action after some months away from competition, the 12-year old gelding returned to the arena with maturity.

"He's grown up," said Miriam, who admitted to a pilot error in the advanced medium 91. "I recently had a lesson with Jo Winfield and she said he looked chunky now.

"The plan is to qualify him for the Area Festivals and then go out at PSG. I think it's time to put my brave pants on."

Tracey Nelson enjoyed a 76.5% medium freestyle win with Zafiro J, the eight-yearold PRE gelding she bought unseen from Spain during lockdown. It was a final run-through before the winter championships for the pair, who train with Roland Tong.

A GAME-CHANGER