Timber takes it in his stride

A three-year-old gelding makes a stunning show ring debut, a heavyweight legend impresses several judges and a home-produced hunter nails it

- ALEX ROBINSON

A SMALL-SCALE breeder triumphed in spectacular fashion as three horses bearing her prefix won multiple classes, two supremes and a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) place.

Jane Davies of the Tremarl Stud watched Angela Smith and Paul Mortimer’s three-year-old Tremarl Timber (Tim) go through the card to lift in-hand hunter and Britishbred supremes, as well as being judge Terry Pendry’s choice for the HOYS in-hand ticket.

“He was a delight to judge and had presence to die for,” commented Terry. “He had a lovely loose four-time walk, and a beautiful elevated two-time trot. He was also handled with great precision. I would happily take this horse home.”

The show ring debutant, who is by Timolin out of a No Submission mare who appeared at HOYS on her dam in 2007, was led out by Simon Charlesworth.

Angela’s daughter, show horse producer Vicky Smith, knew he was special when she laid eyes on him as a yearling.

“Mum and I thought he was outstanding, so I persuaded Paul to buy a share in him,” said Vicky, who rode Jane’s own five-year-old mare Tremarl Timperni, who is a full sister to Tim, to finish sports horse supreme here at Addington.

“I thought this show would be good for Tim’s education, so I approached Simon to see if he’d show him,” continued Vicky. “Tim was pulled out of the field a couple of weeks ago and he’s had very little preparation. He’s an example of a lovely British-bred horse with a bright future.”

The win provided a glimmer of light during a period of darkness, though, as Team Smith had recently, and very suddenly, lost dear friend and team-mate Suzie Hibbard.