Rio's regal victory
Horse & Hound|June 20, 2024
A new face of the riding horse scene shows promise, breeder's dream a run continues and a cob specialist dominates
ALEX ROBINSON
Rio's regal victory

A RIDING horse attending only his second show lifted the prestigious Queen’s Cup.

Matt Ainsworth was at the helm of Jo and Lauren Baker’s striking large contender Rio For Ever, an Oldenburg by Rock Forever I.

Rio only joined Matt in March and his first outing was at Royal Bath and West, where he stood riding horse champion after heading the novices.

“He’s a phenomenal mover and he’ll be a superstar,” enthused Matt, who last took the Queen’s Cup many years ago aboard the late prolific cob Colebrook. “He still needs to mature so we won’t overdo it this season, but I’m really excited about him.”

Matt’s partner, Charlotte Treleaven, had the pleasure of riding Sue Hookham’s twotime Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) heavyweight hunter of the year Dublin Street Fighter in the supreme, after Matt had landed the hunter tricolour with him earlier in the day.

Charlotte added to the team’s tally with Georgina Andrews’ Carnsdale Pure Genius jumped to the working show horse crown.

This story is from the June 20, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

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This story is from the June 20, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

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