The Myerscough College 2011 Baileys Horse Feeds/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity took place on Tuesday. Four youngsters were awarded Elite premiums, with the top scorer, Don Diego (pictured) attaining the highest score yet of the 2011 series.
This colt foal, owned and bred by Sandra Tinker of the Fosshey Stables Hanoverian Stud attained a premium of 9.36 in the dressage section. Evaluator Jennie Loriston Clarke said: “He had the wow factor the moment he walked through the door and, during his assessment, did everything to confirm our initial impression.” Don Diego is by Don Ricoss out of the consistent Bergamon mare Bea.
Two-year-old chestnut gelding Gold Rush X was top of the eventers with a score of 9.21. He is by Blue Hors Romanov out of owner and breeder Karen Neild’s homebred part-bred Irish draught mare Gold Digger. Gold Rush X has already proved he has many talents — he was hunter youngstock champion at the Cheshire show this year. Gold Digger will now be put in foal to the British-based KWPN stallion Mooiman.
John Cassidy’s colt foal Stratocaster attained an Elite score of 9.14 in the dressage section, adding to an already successful day for handler Sandra Tinker. Stratocaster is a son of the Hanoverian stallion Sarkozy out of the ultra consistent mare St Pr St Double Diamond, by Don Frederico. Double Diamond is also dam of HorseHero star Buddy Holly.
Showjumper Millfield Lancelot — a bay colt by Landor S — went home with a score of 9.07 for owner and breeder Sue Jaggar. He is out of another proven mare, Pretty Woman, by Caretino. Pretty Woman has already produced a graded stallion and is the dam of 2010 Elite Futurity foal Millfield Ballerina, by Balou du Rouet.
