End of an era for Primmore line

Award-winning breeders Roger and Joanna Day, who bred Pippa Funnell’s Olympic individual bronze medal ride Primmore’s Pride (pictured), are selling their remaining stock.

Roger, who is retiring from his role as a BE regional director, and Joanna, a BE-accredited trainer, intend to spend more time in New Zealand where they have family. But they will continue to be based at their Somerset farm.

Joanna, who has been in breeding for 35 years, says: “We’d like to have the freedom to go on holiday more often — breeding is a full-time business. We would like the horses to stay together, and very definitely in England.”

The sale comprises one filly foal (More Pokey-Primmore’s Panache, a half-sister to Primmore’s Pride), a second filly foal (Mayhill-Merry Gambler) and three mares, aged four, nine and 16, all of whom are direct descendents of the Days’ foundation mare, Primmore Hill.

The Days bought Primmore Hill in 1973 from Diana Scott; she went on to become a top eventer. She was sold and later bought back by the Days, after which she bred five foals, of which Primmore’s Pride is the only gelding. The three mares evented to advanced level; the stallion, Primmore’s Pioneer, now stands at stud.

Roger will be having farewell drinks for his retirement from BE on the Friday night (22 October) of Aldon Horse Trials.

This story was first published in Horse & Hound (14 October 04)