Fairytale win for perfect filly

A coloured horse defies the formbook, a Connemara is supreme native and a novice working hunter displays ability and potential

- TRICIA JOHNSON

Great Yorkshire, North Yorks

VICKY SMITH and Alan Marnie’s stunning mare, Ashleas Perfect Spirit (Polly), made history when she became the first coloured exhibit to qualify at this show for the Price Family Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme in-hand final – and one of only a handful ever to earn the HOYS place.

It was well-deserved, though, as experienced judge Sarah York – a thoroughbred and hunter breeder – explained.

“Her correctness, limbs and the sheer quality of her movement decided it for me,” she said. “Also, she was beautifully turned out and extremely mannerly.”

Reserve went to Martyn Coles’ Welsh section D mare Durkar Solitaire, who had clocked up her fourth win – and third tricolour – from four outings this season.

Polly, a three-year-old by Free Spirit, sympathetically shown by Steven Lemon, was also champion at National Pony Society Area 5, Derbyshire Festival and Royal Windsor. Here, her floating trot captivated an enthusiastic TopSpec White Rose ring audience too, and when she was called forward after an agonising wait, the applause was deafening.

“Gobsmacked,” was Vicky’s verdict. “We only brought her to represent the breed; never in a million years did we expect this.”

The couple bought Polly unseen after being tipped off by Cathy Wood, who had seen a photo of the filly, then a yearling.