‘She's exceptionally talented'

Holly Smith sings the praises of Billy Sarafina, who steps up for grand prix victory, and a barefoot mare impresses

- SUZANNE JONES

Arena UK Winter Classic, Lincs

HOLLY SMITH was in her usual devastating form to claim a double victory, including the winter grand prix with Dean Vernon’s impressive Billy Sarafina.

“She’s very careful and exceptionally talented,” said Holly about the Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve x Billy Congo eight year-old mare.

Course-designer Mark McGowan’s track tested scope and rideability, with seven returning for the jump-off. Holly maximised on her final draw to win with almost four seconds in hand over India Bussey’s standard-setting clear on Fahra ES.

Holly got the ride on Billy Sarafina 14 months ago.

“She’s benefited from going to the five-star shows with my top horses and was second in the Horse of the Year Show grade C final. She’s gaining experience against the clock, but I was worried she’d be a ‘bit dead’ offthe corner to the oxer then take out a stride to the following vertical, but she made it easy,” said Holly.

Spain in spring is on the cards.

“We think a lot of her and don’t want to rush her, but she keeps doing it as the fences get bigger. She’s a princess, careful with herself and life and best in big grass rings like St Gallen and Hickstead; nothing seems to faze her,” added Holly.

The winter grade C also fell to Holly, winning with Cevann IV by 0.16sec in a 13-horse decider. The Cevin Z x Kannan seven-year-old was purchased 16 months ago from breeder Georgia Wells of Weston Lawns.