1. Positive news on Nicola Wilson’s recovery
It was great to hear over the jubilee bank holiday weekend that eventer Nicola Wilson is in “good spirits” and making “steady progress”, in an update from her husband Alistair on Nicola’s social media. Nicola is currently in the spinal rehabilitation unit at James Cook University Hospital and is expected to remain there for three months. Alistair added that he and Nicola had been watching The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations together, and that Nicola was disappointed to have fallen asleep. “I have reassured her it was a wonderful Red Arrows display similar to what she watches during a Lincoln dressage test!” he said.
Find out more about Nicola’s progress
2. Concerns over mouth injuries in competition ponies
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The news that a number of ponies were prevented from competing at two shows in Denmark after their mouths were checked for redness and signs of damage would appear to be both a cause for concern – and something to be welcomed – as the Danish equestrian federation (DRF) continues to be proactive in targeting this welfare issue. DRF club and sports manager Anne Silfwander said: “Although the picture basically looks nicer in pony dressage than in previous years, we are not finished yet, and that is why it is so important that both parents, riders and trainers think preventatively and make sure to check the ponies regularly. It is a good habit we must have established, and it takes time.”
Find out more about the pre-competition veterinary checks
3. A dazzling Derby
Desert Crown ridden by Richard Kingscote wins the Cazoo Derby at Epsom. Credit: Alamy
The Derby was won with a seriously impressively performance by the 5/2 favourite Desert Crown, who swept into an unassailable lead with a couple of furlongs to go around the challenging Epsom Downs track on Saturday. Trained by Sir Michael Stout, whose previous five Derby winners began with Shergar back in 1981, the colt by Nathaniel cruised into pole position under a hands and heels ride by Richard Kingscote. This was a first Derby triumph for the 33-year-old British jockey in the exciting colt’s third race of his career.
Read more about how the race unfolded
You might also be interested in:
A horse clearing the wings, Team GB and a quartet of Irish ponies: who won showjumping ribbons this weekend?
One in four horses’ bits don’t fit, research finds
29-year-old horse who ‘loves a party’ takes two dressage wins
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