Romanno Royale was crowned the 2015 Cuddy supreme in-hand champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this evening (7 October).
This is a second successive victory for Romanno Royale’s owner Martin Wood. The horse was handled in the arena at the NEC, Birmingham, by Simon Charlesworth.
Watch their reactions to the victory in the following video:
“This is what everyone works for all year round. To have a winner here in the Cuddy is a breeder and owner’s dream. It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Simon.
The three-year-old Romanno Royale, by Rubin Starn out of My Rose, earned his Cuddy ticket at Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show in May, where he stood supreme. It was the horse’s only other time in the show ring this season.
“Martin showed ‘Rocky’ as a yearling and he qualified for HOYS then too,” added Simon. “‘Rocky’ is a lovely balanced horse, a great mover with a big front. He’s very correct, which is what judges like.”
Rendene Royal Charm claimed the title for Martin Wood in 2014.
“Last year felt amazing but this year is even better. To do it two years in a row is unbelievable [but] I knew Rocky was good and [the judges] would like him,” said Martin. “I love the horse and I’m so proud of him and Simon. It’s party time tonight.”
Kellythorpes Ooh-La-La, shown by Dain Atherden, stood overall reserve supreme for owner Lisha Leeman. The supreme result mirrored the final line up in the Cuddy in-hand horse of the year class earlier in the day.
Kellythorpes Strike A Pose, also owned by Lisha Leeman and handled by Frazer Atherden, topped the pony class. Ceri Fell’s Sarum Rose Petal, presented by Justin Davies, finished second.
All four equines came forward to contest the supreme on Wednesday evening, culminating in Romanno Royale’s overall victory.
Don’t miss the HOYS report in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 15 October.
