African Jazz qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Championships when he came out on top in the final qualifier at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials last week.

The 10-year-old bay gelding, who is owned by Abi Sole, was piloted into first place by show producer Jo Jack.

“It was so nice to be asked to ride African Jazz today. It’s the first time I’ve ridden him and what a credit to Abi for training him so beautifully that I could just jump on.

“It is the best ride I’ve had in this ring, the horse simply floated round and was beautiful to ride,” said Jo, a former head girl for leading showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable.

Abi has owned the former Charlie Appleby-trained African Jazz, who raced eight times on the flat and won twice, for three years.

He came from Godolphin Lifetime Care, a global initiative which ensures the welfare and provision of a quality home for life for Godolphin’s racehorses when they retire.

No looking back

“I’m delighted with today. Since we took Jazz on I’ve not looked back,” said Abi.

“It was at Burghley a couple of years ago when Hero [Worship, Abi’s former ex-racehorse] was still competing, I spoke to Godolphin Lifetime Care and said if they ever had another one similar to Hero I’d love to hear from them. 

“A couple of months later they were in touch about Jazz. He had already done a bit of eventing and we all thought he could do well in the show ring. Jazz has been a dream ever since.

“He’s always placed out showing and has done well in dressage too. Jo rode him so well today.”

First Fandango comes second

Also qualifying for HOYS were former SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse reserve champions, Hannah Chisman and First Fandango.

“He’s getting better with age. After First Fandango took the reserve title in this series last season I said we would give up the showing, but here we are and he is 18 now,” said Hannah. 

“He was foot perfect today – we’ve also qualified for the Cotswold Cup in eventing and the final is the week before HOYS, so it will be our warm up.

“We will give up the showing after HOYS this time but will keep eventing as he absolutely loves it.

“I work as a driver for trainer Tony Carroll, which means I’m really busy over the winter and then have a bit of time to go to the shows in the summer.”

Regular fixture

The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class has been held in the main arena at Burghley on the final day of the horse trials since 2012 and marks the final opportunity for ex-racehorses and their riders to qualify for HOYS.

“We are delighted to have been back at Defender Burghley again. It is such a privilege for these fabulous thoroughbreds and their riders to compete at this fantastic event with its unrivalled atmosphere,” said series organiser Nicolina MacKenzie.

Image © Trevor Meeks.

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