Fenwick Bloomsbury picks up Cuddy ticket at Bath & West

It was third time lucky for Barbara Smith’s home-bred riding pony champion Fenwick Bloomsbury, who landed the Horse of the Year Show Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket at the Bath & West Show.

Barbara’ son Nigel led Fenwick Bloomsbury to the top in-hand accolade, having previously stood reserve in the Cuddy at Devon County and Newark and Notts this term.

The chestnut mare won her brood mare class on her way to claiming the riding pony breeding championship.

“She has a lot of fans,” said Barbara, who is yet to watch Bloomsbury get beaten this year. “I am very pleased, but I was convinced it was going to happen to her somewhere.”

The 11-year-old, by Dawnway Minstrel Man, was previously shown at HOYS under saddle and was first shown as a brood mare last season taking championships at Three Counties and the NPS championship show.

A curious grandstand audience followed Stuart Hollings close inspection of the line-up of 18 finalists, which he eventually reduced to five when moved in to the main ring.

“The mare’s lap of honour just said it all,” enthused Stuart.

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