Pharoah is just divine

A New Forest fulfils his late breeder's wishes as he nets a first ticket to the NEC before he lands the section title

- TRICIA JOHNSON

EMOTIONS ran high when Will Chatley and New Forest gelding Bakeburn Pharoah headed a 21-strong Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) breed class to qualify at their first attempt, and then land their first section championship.

Judge Sara Hird, who officiated alongside Martin Jones, said: “It was one of the strongest classes I’ve seen. This pony did a beautiful show; he was very balanced, well ridden and well presented.”

The seven-year-old, by legendary Farriers Fingerprint, was bought by Will as a foal from his breeders, Angie Wilson and her late husband Brian; poignantly, Will rode Pharoah’s sire at HOYS.

“Brian’s last wish to me was to try and get Pharoah to HOYS,” said Will, who gave up producing for the show ring two years ago and now works full-time in landscaping.

“This pony is my pet and I do everything with him – we hunt, jump, hack and more. He lives out and hasn’t seen a school in two years!

“This result was way beyond my hopes and dreams – it’s the first time I’ve ever cried when qualifying, but all I could think about was Brian. I can’t wait for Angie to come and watch their first home-bred at HOYS.”

Rachel Cooper won, qualified and stood reserve with Connemara stallion Glencarrig Camelot. The Glencarrig Knight half-brother is in his second-ridden season produced by the Follywood team, having previously covered at Blakehill Stud.

“We were bridesmaids on many occasions last season,” said Rachel, who works full-time in London. “He’s strengthened and matured now, so I was quietly hoping to get the golden ticket this term.”