Champion foal flies the flag for an endangered British breed

This stunning colt foal has delighted fans of the Cleveland Bay horse by winning a host of classes this summer.

Tranmire Sir George — named after the Royal baby — is seen here relaxing after winning the foal class, hunter foal class, hunter championship and reserve Cleveland Bay championship at Egton Show, N Yorks (21 August).

Sir George, who is owned by Tom Wren, has also won foal classes at Ryedale, Hinderwell and Danby.

He is by the stallion Southbrook Warlord and is seen here with his dam, Tranmire Diamond Princess.

Lynda Wilson, who helped Mr Wren show George at Egton, said: “Lots of children had their photo taken cuddling the foal while he was lying down.

“Sir George has the most amazing temperament and was a star attraction at the show.”

The Cleveland Bay is a very old British breed that can be traced back to the 17^th century. They are the only warmblood native to England and were originally used as coaching horses, but the breed went into steep decline after the Second World War.

Today they are classed as “critically endangered” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust — meaning there are fewer than 300 breeding mares in the country.

Supporters of the breed say the Cleveland Bay is the basis for the ideal hunter, showjumper and eventer.

Fans include The Queen, who stepped in when the breed was close to extinction in the 1960s and bought the colt foal, Mulgrave Supreme. Her Majesty made him available at public stud, helping to save the breed.

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