Shetland feeling festive in new Christmas threads
A Shetland pony is getting into the Christmas spirit with a specially designed festive “foursie”.
Ascot racecourse has tailored a seasonal one-piece for Shetland pony, Daffy, to keep him snug when the weather outside is frightful.
Nick Smith, from Ascot, said they wanted to do something fun and festive to mark the racecourse’s Christmas Racing Weekend (18-19 December).
Daffy is owned by Jackie Rowberry, a trainer at animal TV and film company Animal Dramatics.
“In winter I always worry about Daffy getting chilly as he likes to spend so much time out of his stable,” she said.
“I love the fact that Ascot has created a special foursie for Daffy so that he can get into the Christmas spirit.
“He has loved all the attention and is quite the envy among his stable buddies!”
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Shetlands donning patterned togs also made headlines in 2013 when Visit Scotland dressed a couple of ponies in cardigans for an advertising campaign.
Last year, Socks — the moonwalking pony of mobile phone company Three advert fame — also sported a woolly jumper as a brand ambassador for the Shetland Isles to help boost tourism in Scotland.
The racecourse is encouraging visitors to follow Daffy’s lead and wear their favourite Christmas attire to the event.
“Racegoers often turn out in their Christmas outfits and we raise a lot of money for local charities too,” added Mr Smith.
The two-day fixture is the Berkshire racecourse’s final meet of 2015.
Friday features two Grade Two races — the Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle and the Novices’ Steeple Chase.
Saturday is Ascot’s most valuable day of National Hunt racing, with the highlight being the £150,000 Ladbroke Hurdle.
There will also be carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies and visits from Father Christmas over both days.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.