This home-bred Zangersheide stallion is one of four horses in the yard owned by Carmel and Dermot Ryan. Sheamus Hayes rode the grey as a four, five and six-year old, qualifying for all the major young horse championships. Shane took over the mount last season when they had some good placings on the continent (Modena and Cervia) and won the 6 and 7yo final at Bourg En Bresse. Here they were narrowly beaten into second place in the Liscalgot seven-year old championship at the RDS but they picked up some good wins in England, landing the 1.40 mini Grand Prix at the South of England and three classes at Hickstead.

Shane is pleased with the way that the grey has strengthened up again over the winter and he’ll be aiming him at the International Grand Prix circuit this year. “With a stallion it’s very important that he is seen winning at a higher level and at top-class venues. With the thoroughbred influence through his damsire, he’s got plenty of speed.”