A CHANCE meeting at Aintree and subsequent Facebook friendship led to Diana Taylor’s former Flat campaigner Festive Fare (Fletch) – originally bred and owned by Godolphin – joining Essex-based ex-racer specialist Becky Court in March this year and here, the partnership scaled new heights.
These included a first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) hunter ticket for Becky, and a win in the Royal International (RIHS) amateur lightweight class, qualifying for next year’s final at Hickstead. Sadly, the pair were unable to progress further as the evening championship was cancelled (see “Talking point”, p73).
Becky first met Diana while campaigning Beware Chalk Pit, the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse (R2R) winner at HOYS in 2017.
“She watched my show in the supreme and came over to say well done,” recalled Becky, who works full-time for the University of Creative Arts and keeps her horses with Justine Armstrong-Small.
“We became Facebook friends and followed each other’s activities and progress, and when I saw her at Aintree again in 2022, I commented that I really liked Fletch, who was doing a novice class. I told her I was looking for another horse, having sadly lost Saint Are from a heart attack, and I wanted one just like Fletch.
“We kept in touch and last summer, out of the blue, she asked if I would be interested in taking Fletch this year as her circumstances changed and she didn’t have a regular rider for him – I jumped at the chance.”
Fletch, by Teofilo, won more than £64,000 under Rules and came out of racing in 2016 to begin his “rehab” under the Godolphin Lifetime Care scheme.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
