Top scores at bumper Catherston BEF Futurity

Futurity

The Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity saw an unprecedented total of 16 elite-scoring youngsters across two busy days (15-16 August) at Catherston Stud in Hampshire.

Of the 16 elite premiums awarded, 13 went to foals.

Dressage foals took the top four elite premiums awarded on the first day.

Heading them and earning the highest score yet of 2014, was Rosie Moreton Deakin’s dressage colt foal, Fiderstar (pictured top) (Fiderbach x Don Shufro) with an elite premium of 9.63. The evaluators said that he was “very elastic with a super hindleg”.

Cresta Ellis Perager’s filly foal Dimaggika (pictured right) (Dimaggio x Fidertanz), who was bred by Darren Mattia and Charlotte Hughes, took an elite of 9.57. Darren said: “Dimaggika’s dam Apple has an excellent damline. She is related to former German Olympic horse, Piccolo. Her first foal Desire, took a very high elite premium at the Futurity last year. She is back in foal to Dimaggio for next year.”

Ben St John James had a hugely successful time at Catherston with his own colt foal, Ferdinand (pictured below) (Fine Time x Ivernel), scoring an elite premium of 9.55. Ben then assisted with Joanna Sawford’s colt foal, Jaeger (Lord Leatherdale x Flemmingh) who attained 9.38. On day two, Ben’s foal Fine Romance (For Romance x Charatan W) scored an elite premium of 9.12. The evaluators commented on the foal’s “super uphill tendency in all paces“.

Eventing foal, Oceans Boudicca (picured right) (Royaldik x Michaels Revenge) took an elite premium of 9.15 for owner and breeder Sue Barr. Sue said: “We are absolutely delighted. Boudaccia is out of Heligan, mother of the highest-ever scoring potential eventer in the Futurity, Pentire Chilli Edge. This illustrates to me the power of a quality damline in breeding performance horses.”

Colt foal, Wisbeach Elite (pictured left) (Cevin Z x Carnaval Drum) lived up to his name in the showjumping section with an elite premium of 9.14 for owner and breeder, Joan Hood. Wisbeach Elite’s dam, Carnaval Joy is a half-sister to 2009 Burghley winner Carousel Quest, ridden by Oliver Townend.

Two-year-old gelding, Hammerwood Dynamis (pictured below) (Dimaggio x Roviris) took an elite premium of 9.07 in the eventing section for owner Jane Pocock and breeder Pippa Drew.

The final elite scoring dressage colt foal of day one was Nicole Nelson’s, Tramontana Grey Eagle (Grey Flannel x Hotline) with a score of 9.01.

Three-year-old dressage colt, Timolin (pictured right) (Moorlands Totilas x Sion) was top scorer on day two at Catherston with 9.43. This is the third Futurity elite Timolin has attained for owner and breeder Aram Gregory. Timolin’s dam, Samira was successfully competed by Aram’s wife, the late Olympic dressage rider Jane Gregory.

Vanessa Vernon’s filly foal, Equites Mail (pictured left) (Jaguar Mail x Heraldik) scored an elite premium of 9.14 in the eventing section and best showjumper on day two at Catherston was Hazelwood Utah’s Romeo (pictured below) (Utah van Erpekom x Oklund). This colt foal scored an elite premium of 9.10. Owner and breeder Lisa Hill, illustrated the value of the damline by saying: “Hazelwoods Utah’s Romeo’s dam, Vikketoltien, jumped to 1.40m with Louise Pavitt and John Crippen. This foal is the nicest one I have bred.”

Two-year-old Greenacres Check It Out (Check In x Ehrenwort) scored an elite premium of 9.01 in the eventing section for owner Richard Selleck. Former BEF young horse evaluator Richard said: “It is great to see the Futurity is doing so well. I am delighted with Check It Out, he was a last minute entry. He will go for stallion licensing at the end of the year.”

Other elite premiums at Catherston went to: Joan Farquharson’s dressage colt foal, Samphire (Showmaker x Di Caprio) (9.04); Catherston Oakley (pictured right) (Opposition Bombshell x Dutch Gold) a colt foal for Anne Dicker in the eventing section (9.01); and dressage filly foal, Seagry Firstamour (For Romance x Stedinger) for Keith Taylor (9.00).

Evaluator across the two days included Katy Holder Vale, Lesley Peyton Gilbert, Mandy Luesley, Charlotte Barrow, Fred Bergendorff and Futurity vet, Liam Kearns.

www.britishbreeding.org for full details and results.

Pictures by Kevin Sparrow Photography