According to the state veterinarian, one horse in Ward County, North Dakota, has tested positive for strangles. One additional horse is suspected to be positive.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Sponsored content in collaboration with The Insurance EmporiumAs horse owners, we all want to keep our horses healthy, happy and safe, and while we all tend to think that the worst wont happen, factoring in the unexpected is a huge part of owning any animal especially one thats as big and unpredictable as a horse. What if they develop a serious health condition or need surgery? What if they damage someone elses property, or are stolen? Our animals dont have access to the kind of health care that we do, and vets fees can really add up. But while we all know that horse insurance can help protect against unexpected costs, were also very aware of the rising cost of living and so we want to be sure that were getting the right policy and only paying for the things we need. To help understand horse insurance a bit better, the experts at The Insurance Emporium, who have been providing specialist horse insurance for years, have put together this short guide to answer some of the most common questionswhen it comes to choosing a policy.Why should I consider horse insurance? Whether youre an owner, a breeder, a trainer or a rider, youll know how fulfilling it is to be around horses, but youll also know that theyre not the cheapest animal to look after. After the initial cost of buying them, you have to think about livery costs, food, forage and bedding, as well as regular visits to the vet, farrier and dentist. This is before you even factor in them being ill, or involved in an accident, or even stolen. It would be good to be able to base their treatment on what they need. What does horse insurance cover? At The Insurance Emporium, horse insurance comes with one standard benefit: Death, Theft or Straying.This is for if the horse dies or is put to sleep or is not found within 90 days of straying or being stolen from the stabling address. You can then tweak your policy to suit you and your horse with a choice of optional benefits, which include: Vets FeesThe cost of treatment and/or complementary treatment of each injury, illness or condition. Complimentary TherapyThis must be carried out by your vet or a qualified practitioner. Referral Vet Transportation and LiveryThe cost of transportation to and from a livery yard whilst the horse remains at the referral vets. Disposal CostsThe cost of removal and disposal of the horses body if the horse dies or is put to sleep by a vet. Saddlery and TackWhere your saddlery and tack are stolen or accidentally damaged whilst you are taking part in or preparing for an activity specified in your type of use. Loss of Use (Permanent Incapacity)An illness, injury or condition that prevents your horse carrying out the functions for which it was insured. Public Liability (Standard)Your legal liability to others for compensation and costs arising out of the ownership or use of your horse. Personal AccidentDeath, permanent disablement, loss of hearing, sight, or limbs as a result of an injury sustained whilst riding, leading, handling or caring for the horse. Dental TreatmentDental treatment following an accidental bodily injury to your mouth and/or teeth whilst riding your horse. What do I need to consider when taking out horse insurance? Their age. Their health. Their breed. Their intended use. Exclusions certain treatments and pre-existing conditions may not be covered and youll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible if there are any changes to your circumstances that could affect your policy. What other questions should I ask?Does horse insurance cover injuries to riders? Yes, when the personal accident optional benefit is included in a policy, youre covered if you sustain an accidental bodily injury as a result of riding, handling, caring for, or interacting with your horse and that injury results in your death, loss of hearing, sight or limbs or renders you totally permanently disabled for a consecutive period of 365 days. Do I need to insure my horse trailer? Youre not legally obliged to have horse trailer insurance, but towing a trailer does come with risks and so taking out cover might be worth considering, particularly if you attend horse shows/events, buy or sell horses, own stables or train horses. You can also get insurance if you hire a horse trailer. Can I get horse insurance for pre-existing conditions? No, your horse wont be covered for pre-existing conditions, which means injuries or illnesses that existed before your policy started. Are racehorses and competition horses covered by standard horse insurance? We do not insure racehorses at The Insurance Emporium, but our horse policy allows you to compete just make sure you select the appropriate type of equestrian activities when going through the quotation. What if I have an older horse? Our veteran horse insurance covers horses 20 years and over. There is no upper age limit. Do horses need insurance on the road? While theres no legal requirement to have insurance when riding on the road, most responsible riders have insurance that includes public liability. Do horse riders need insurance? If you dont own a horse, but ride one, a Horse Rider Only policy will provide cover for you, and some emergency cover for the horse, for example, emergency vet fees. Whats the maximum value that you can insure a horse for? This figure may differ between insurance companies. A horse can be insured with us for up to 15,000. What if my horse is ridden by someone else? Your horse or veteran horse policy will usually cover any person, aged between five and 75, who is riding, leading, handling or caring for your horse with your permission. What does excess mean? An excess is the part you pay towards a claim. With our horse insurance policies, theres no excess to pay on our Standard Benefit, but there are three optional benefits where you need to pay an excess.This applies to Vets Fees, Saddlery and Tack, and Public Liability (Standard), so its important to check your policy schedule. What does loss of use mean? There are two types of Loss of Use:Complete: this is where your horse cannot undertake any functions for which it was vetted and insured, and it is put to sleep.Partial: where your horse cannot undertake any functions for which it was vetted and insured but can undertake other equestrian activities, or you choose to breed or retire them. Are there any conditions for keeping my saddlery and tack safe? Yes, when not in use you need to adhere to security requirements, such as these, otherwise your insurance may be invalid, and your claim may be rejected. Can I insure more than one horse? Yes, you can insure more than one horse, and you may even be eligible for a multi-horse discount. At The Insurance Emporium, if you insure more than one horse, you will be eligible for an extra 10% discount on each of your horse insurance policies. The multi-horse discount is either applied at the start of any new horse policies or at renewal of existing horse policies. Having horse insurance in place could mean that if you are faced with an unexpected bill for an injury, illness or accident etc, then you know you have the right cover for you, your horse and your budget. Visit The Insurance Emporium website, or give them a call and get a free, no-strings quote today. Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no:202748. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time. We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations. Images ShutterstockRelated content Essential guide to horse health insuranceWhat does Death of Horse insurance actually cover? *Sponsored*Expert guide to public liability cover *Sponsored*The post Top tips for choosing the most appropriate insurance policy for you and your horse *Ad feature* appeared first on Your Horse.

On June 18, an 18-year-old Paint mare in Montgomery County, Maryland, tested positive for salmonellosis. The mare developed clinical signs on June 14, including fever, diarrhea, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. She was referred to an equine hospital for evaluation and treatment under isolation protocol.Fecal samples collected upon hospital admission tested positive forSalmonellaby PCR and culture. The mare has reportedly improved with treatment. Several other horses at the mares home farm have also been treated for fever, diarrhea, and/or colic over the past week.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About SalmonellosisSalmonellosis is a contagious and zoonotic bacterial infection caused bySalmonella spp, which causes enterocolitis. Clinically normal horses can transiently shed Salmonella, with shedding more common during:Concurrent illness: antibacterial usage, physiological disturbanceStress: transportation, social, nutritionalGastrointestinal disturbance: motility (especially colic), feed changeClinical signs of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, lethargy, anorexia, colic, localized infection, sepsis and septic shock. Foals are commonly more seriously affected with profound systemic illness, including hemorrhagic diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, inflammation of growth plate and septic arthritis.Treatment of the severe form of salmonellosis is based on IV fluid and electrolyte replacement and efforts to control the hosts responses initiated by the systemic inflammatory response.Prevention of salmonellosis is difficult, because the organism is present in the environment as well as in the feces of some healthy animals. Isolation and increased biosecurity are needed to prevent spread of the disease.

On June 19, a mare at a private facility in Powhatan County, Virginia, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). She presented with clinical signs of vestibular disease, including a head tilt and circling to the left. She has improved with treatment.Two other horses have been exposed but are not showing clinical signs.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

On June 18, a 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Stanislaus County, California, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), marking the 16thconfirmed case at the facility. Eleven exposed horses will remain under quarantine for another 60 days until their next retest.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

Foals start showing an interest in feed and forage early in life. | Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseQ: My foal is almost a month old. Hes nursing well, but I also notice him trying to eat his dams feed and hay at times. When should I start my foal on his own feed, and how do I safely do this?A: Early in a foals life, the mares milk provides the nutrition the foal needs. However, it is normal for foals to begin exploring solid feeds and forages even as young as 1 week old. Proper nutrition becomes critical as foals transition from a milk to forage and concentrates and prepare for weaning.As your foal matures, milk alone will no longer meet his nutritional requirements. Including appropriate vitamin and mineral fortification in the ration helps reduce the foals risk of developing orthopedic diseases.Introducing Creep Feed to Your FoalDepending on the individual foals growth, creep feeding typically begins when the foal reaches 2 to 3 months. Creep feeders provide feed exclusively to the foal, not the mare, using adjustable bars on the feeder. This is the best way to be sure the mare is not eating the foals ration. Keep in mind that no single guideline works for every foal because forage quality, mare milk production, and the foals growth rate all influence nutritional needs.Historically, feeding 1 pound of creep feed per month of age has been common practice. However, depending on individual circumstances, this approach might provide more supplemental calories than some young horses require. If the foal does not need additional calories, a ration balancer can serve as a creep feed alternative. In the first months of life, the foal should gain 1-3 pounds daily. If he is not, he likely needs additional calories. If he is gaining more weight than this, you might need to reduce the calories available to him.When introducing creep feed, increase the amount gradually and divide it among multiple feedings each day, ideally at least two. Avoid overfeeding because overweight foals face a greater risk of developmental orthopedic disease.Take-Home MessageIt is normal for a foal to show interest in the mares feed and forage early in life, and creep feeding typically begins at 2 to 3 months of age. Foals that need additional calories can start earlier. Work with your veterinarian and a qualified equine nutritionist to match the amount and type of creep feed to your foals changing nutritional needs and available forage.

Many riders may not realise that tailored waistcoats are permitted under both British Dressage and British Eventing competition rules, offering a smart and cooler alternative to the traditional show jacket.Although the changes to the British Dressage (BD) rule have been in place since last year, exhibitors and trade stand holders say awareness remains surprisingly low, with many competitors still unaware they can wear a fitted waistcoat in the dressage arena including at BD championships without seeking prior permission.BD relaxed its dress-code rules from 1 January 2025, confirming that a tailored waistcoat may now be worn at championships without obtaining prior approval from organisers or the judging panel.Previously, riders generally needed permission before dispensing with a conventional competition jacket at championship level.To increase flexibility and inclusivityMaria Carrasco, co-founder of Caballo Elite, which specialises in competition waistcoats, said the updated rules were partly prompted by discussions following the 2024 Petplan Area Festivals.In January 2024 I competed in a waistcoat designed and made by my company at the Petplan Area Festivals, she explained.The waistcoat drew some attention due in part to interpretation of the then British Dressage ruling on wearing waistcoats at championships.Following last years revision of competition dress code by BD to increase flexibility and inclusivity, the BD representative at the Area Festival agreed to put forward a revision to the Sports Council to allow tailored waistcoats to be worn at all championships regardless of the weather or season, and without the need to obtain judges permission.We were delighted when British Dressage announced it had adopted the new waistcoat rule last season.Riders unawareMaria added that many riders are still unaware of the updated rules, despite increasing interest in alternative competition wear.We have been attending shows with our trade stand at BD and British Riding Club events, and many people are still unaware of the rule.We believe this rule change will be welcomed by many riders who prefer an alternative to the traditional jacket, she added.British Riding Clubs and British Eventing also allow riders to wear a fitted waistcoat in any conservative colour under their dress-code guidance.For BE competitors, the waistcoat can be worn for both the dressage and showjumping phases, up to advanced level, at events running under BE rules.British Showjumping remains more traditional in its approach, with the 2026 rulebook stating that jackets must still be worn unless officials grant permission for their removal during hot weather.Comfort and practicalityDressage competitor Ellie Barlow said the appeal of waistcoats was not just about comfort in warm weather, but also presentation in the arena.I bought a waistcoat for the summer, as I felt like going with no jacket and being all in white was not very flattering. I also felt it was more respectful having a type of jacket on for the judges, she said.British Dressage first began relaxing jacket rules nearly a decade ago, when competitors were permitted to remove jackets during hot weather at regular competitions. It was a decision widely welcomed by riders seeking relief from heavy traditional show wear during summer events.With temperatures rising and competition fashion continuing to evolve, waistcoats may now be moving from niche alternative to mainstream choice in the dressage arena and beyond.Main image Caballo EliteRelated contentDo draw reins ever have a place when training horses? BHS coach weighs up the debateDouble bridles explainedFive tips from a dressage judge to help you feel more confident in the arenaLacking confidence? 10 signs of high-functioning anxiety in horse ridersThe post Did you know? Waistcoats are allowed to be worn under British Dressage and British Eventing rules appeared first on Your Horse.

Irish continue to deliver in West Sussex, with top-flight ribbons garnered on continentHickstead has been the site of famous victories of some of the best show jumpers, equine and human, Ireland has ever produced and this year, there were successes at the four-star Al Shiraaa Derby meeting in the opening three international classes for Richard Howley, David Simpson and Sen Monaghan on Thursday and Friday.The one they all wanted, of course, was the 64th edition of the Hickstead Derby. Simpson almost joined an illustrious list including Eddie Macken, Capt John Ledingham, inaugural victor Seamus Hayes, Trevor Breen and Peter Charles (in his days representing Ireland) as a multiple winner of the Derby, and with Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve, an even more select grouping inhabited by just William Funnell (GBR), with Cortaflex Mondriaan in 2006, and Dublon in 2024, of completing the Trial and Derby double.They had four faults in the jump-off however, finishing second in a brilliant effort, to William Whitaker and Flaymboyant II.Simpson, a native of Derry who is based a little over 10 miles away from Hickstead in Coolham, was joined on the podium by compatriots Stephan Dubsky and Derek McCoppin, who shared third with Briton Sammie Jo Coffin.There was five-star action in mainland Europe and Denis Lynch posted the standout result when runner-up in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Paris on Saturday. Cian OConnor helped his team, Riyadh Knights finish third in the League competition 24 hours earlier.Elsewhere, Harry Allen won the Grand Prix at the two-star show in Lier, where Daniel Fitzgerald was also victorious earlier in the week.Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve got the show on the road in Hickstead with a superb victory in the Agria Derby Trial (main pic and above). A strong contingent of 45 participated and with 19 jumping efforts and a time allowed of just under two minutes, it produced just six clear rounds. Three of the four athletes that opted to return for the jump-off were Irish.Dubsky was the pathfinder in the second round, but when his horse C The Stars (Miriam Rohr) knocked the Derby rails, it gave the others some breathing space. Event rider Alex Bragg (GBR) and Hegglelane Houston were next, and having had a practice at Simpsons replica Derby fences three days earlier, they produced the first of the double clears to take the lead.Simpson matched the clear on the horse he won the 2023 Derby with, knocking almost six seconds off the target with a time of 58.24.Last to go was McCoppin and Capital Levubu (Meredith Dos Santos), but a fence down dropped them to fourth, confirming a second triumph for Simpson in the Derby Trial, 10 years after delivering with Gotti Van Paemel in 2016.Pjotr was just eight when he won the Hickstead Derby, and having not competed in it since, was steered towards Sundays headline class by his owner, notably recording gold and silver medal-winning returns in Hamburg Derby qualifiers. Following up in the Derby Trial at the West Sussex arena confirmed his wellbeing.Hes been in great shape for the last couple of weeks he was unbelievable in Hamburg and in St. Gallen, said Simpson afterwards.Howley brought up Amhrn na bhFiann for the second time by navigating Caprice DElle (ESM Equestrian) to the winners enclosure after the two-phase competition for the Tom Hudson Trophy. The pair went through the speed phase in 34 seconds flat to secure the spoils, and they were joined in the podium positions by Fenor pilot, Commandant Geoff Curran with the Irish Sport Horse DHF Alliance, who finished third in 35.30.Howley is still on a learning curve with Caprice DElle (above) but the early signs are very promising indeed for the pairing.He is a very versatile horse who absolutely loves to go against the clock, said the Enniscrone native of the 14-year-old he bought two weeks ago, after riding him for six months. He really enjoys it as I am sure you could tell by the prize giving! Hes won so much for us already in a short space of time and its great to have him in the stable.On Friday, Sen Monaghan made it a perfect three for Irish equestrians in the international classes at the iconic venue, and it was a memorable and emotional success for the Kilcock athlete. Toyger (Catherine OConnor), who Monaghan bought from Shane Breen and then rode as Ireland finished second in the Longines League of Nations final last October, has endured a number of setbacks since and the Hickstead Masters Trophy was the 14-year-olds return to high-class competition (below).A mammoth start list of 75 combinations took part but it was Monaghan and Toyger who topped the table after the jump-off, ahead of the UAEs Abdullah Mohd Al Marri, with the Irish Sport Horse BBS McGregor, bred in Kilkenny by Marguerite Ryan. Colligan man, Peter Moloney rounded out the top five with Nielson (Lisa Volk), just ahead of Castledermots former Derby winner Mikey Pender, with the Ita Brennan-bred Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais (Bravo Hughes)I knew I had arguably the best horse in the class, and I was last to go, so if everything came right Id say he was going to pull it off, said Monaghan. Hes one of the best horses in the world, hes absolutely phenomenal.Its his first big show since the League of Nations Final last October. Its an emotional win because its been a long wait to get him back on the road. Hes been unlucky with a few little setbacks since October, nothing major, but we wanted to make sure he was fully back and now he feels better than ever, so I am excited for whats ahead of him.The Longines Global Champions Tour moved to its third French venue in as many weeks, this time to the capital, and while the Irish run of victories in the team competition that is the League came to an end after the successes of Max Wachman and Ciaran Nallon, OConnor did ensure a Green Jacket on the podium just a matter of hours after Monaghans win in Hickstead.With the Eiffel Tower in touching distance of the Champ de Mars facility, the Karlswood Stables maestro followed an opening time fault with Kentucky TN (Karlswood Partners) in the 1.60m speed class by going clear (below) with Gospel Tame (Ronnoco Jump/ULC) in the 1.55m equivalent, the latter effort in 72.28 earning fourth place on the individual standings.More importantly, with Olivier Perreau (FRA) having one rail down on Himalaya Du Temple, having gone clear in the first competition with GL Events Dorai DAiguilly, that left the Knights on a total of five faults, enough for third.Were really happy, OConnor declared. The horses jumped great and Olivier rode really well too. My horse was fantastic in the first round and Gospel had to shorten up a bit for the second round because the time was tight, but he handled that really well. To be on the podium and get Riyadh Knights up there, were certainly very happy.Its important to make a plan, but there are so many good combinations and so much competition. We came here wanting to go well this week, so it was great when it worked out. To come away with a podium and some strong championship points is very positive for the team.The Irish highlight of the show, however, was the Cordial showcasing his enduring class with a runner-up finish in Saturdays LGCT Grand Prix, with Lynch (below left) in the irons. The 17-year-old stallion owned by Onyx Consulting and Tipperarys Finest excelled with a double clear under his experienced pilot, and the duo were among six of the 41 original participants to return for the decider.And Cordial showed that he has plenty of gears under the bonnet, as well as scope, going clear again in 39.89 seconds. That saw off the partnerships of GL Events Dorai DAiguilly (third) and Christian Ahlmann (GER), with Untouched LB (fourth), two of the others to be foot-perfect over the obstacles.There could be no denying Max Khner (AUT) and his Mark Sherry-bred 15-year-old EIC Up Too Jacco Blue, however, the pair streaking clear in 38.36 to capture the 101,838 first prize, though 61,720 was significant consolation for Lynch and Cordials connections.Khner moves to second in the overall standings, with Mikey Pender the leading Irish athlete in seventh, just ahead of OConnor. Lynch remains in contention for the end-of-season finale in 16th.Attentions returned to the other side of the English Channel on Sunday, as Simpson chased history as part of a really strong Irish challenge. Ballymoney, Co Wexford athlete Dubsky held the lead a long while with C The Stars, a pairing that took fourth in the Deutches Derby in Hamburg, as the only combination with four faults as the course claimed victim after victim. Eventually, they were joined by Longfords McCoppin and Capital Levubu, and Coffin with the Brian OMalley-bred and co-owned Chaccomo Blue (ISH).Simpson and the horse he knows as Freddie removed those from the equation with a faultless round, though there was a nervous moment with a rub of a pole in the Devils Dyke. They would be joined immediately by William Whitaker, himself a winner 10 years ago, and looking to add to his familys 10 previous triumphs. Whats more, the English rider and Flamboyant II had been beaten in jump-offs in the last two renewals. They had a touch of fortune too but again, score card remained unblemished.It was the Ulsterman that was first to return with his 11-year-old stallion, who is naturally faster than Flamboyant. They injected some speed to proceedings but did not escape the Devils Dyke on this occasion, knocking the middle part of the triple, after a tight turn. It was the first time the horse had knocked a jump on the course. Simpson could not hide his disappointment, dropping his head to his right hand.Whitaker and Flamboyant finally shed their bridesmaid status with an unerring jumping display to deny the 2023 victors. But Simpson was proud of his partners endeavours and looking forward to the future with what is still a very young horse at this level.Pjotr loves it here at Hickstead, and I was delighted with how he was today, he stated. His next target is to come back here in July for the Nations Cup and the Grand Prix. Thats the good thing about him, he can do Derbies, he can do five-star Grands Prix. Im very lucky to have him.On Sunday, Allen and Lukaku Vd Bisschop (Aloga Stables) justified their status as favourites for the concluding Grand Prix at the Azelhof arena. The Germany-based Enniscorthy athlete and his 15-year-old bay stallion topped a field of 59 by going quickest in a 10-strong jump-off, stopping the timers in 39.32 seconds in the 1.45m class.On Thursday, Kilcullen athlete Fitzgerald and another Aloga Stables charte, Deparino B, were the fastest of eight double clears in the 1.45m jump-off class with a time of 35.45.BREEDINGDHF ALLIANCE (ISH) 2015 Mare by Ard Vdl Douglas (KWPN) out of Rosie Bee (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Paul Douglas, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone. Owner: Jess Stallard & Minister for Defence. Rider: Commandant Geoff Curran (IRL).CHACCOMO BLUE (ISH) 2011 br gelding by Vigo DArsouilles (BWP) our of Hot Lux (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). BreedeR: Brian OMalley, Co Sligo. Owner: Sammie Joe Coffin & Brian OMalley. Rider: Sammie Jo Coffin (GBR)EIC UP TOO JACCO BLUE (ISH) 2011 br gelding by Chacco-Blue (MECKL) out Celestial Up Too (ISH) by Douglas (KWPN). Breeder: Mark Sherry, Co Wicklow. Owner: Hans Christian Jacobsen & Khner. Rider: Max Khner (AUT)BBS MCGREGOR (ISH) 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of Random Chance (ISH) by Mark Twain (TB). Breeder: Marguerite Ryan, Co Kilkenny. Owner: Al ShiraAa Stables. Rider: Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (UAE).HHS CALAIS (ISH) 2011 gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of MHS OBOS Cruise (ISH) by OBOS Quality (OLD). Breeder: Ita Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).The post Simpson heads Hickstead heroics appeared first on .