Talan makes international debut with new Saudi rider

Robert Smith’s former ride Talan made a subdued international debut with his new rider, Prince Faisal Al Shalan in Lummen, Belgium, this week.

The 12-year-old Concorde stallion, formerly co-owned by Robert and Di and Pennie Cornish, was sold to Saudi Equestrian before the Olympic cut-off date of 31 December 2011.

Prince Faisal was part of the gold medal-winning Saudi team at the Pan-Arab games last year and competed in the 2008 Olympics. He and Talan notched up 13 faults in today’s (20 April) CSI*** 1.45m class and retired in a speed class earlier in the week.

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Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.