A former £280,000 racehorse who caught the eye of amateur rider Jeanette Stayt while trotting across a field has secured his ticket to the Horse of the Year Show after winning at Defender Burghley.
Jeanette and Fado Des Bosses topped more than 20 former racehorses in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse class on Sunday 6 September, with only the winner earning qualification for HOYS.
“Every-time Frado goes out he is like clockwork! He loves being in the ring and the attention that comes with it. It’s made it even more special as my daughter Alex and granddaughter Jess (Isle) have both flown from Scotland to groom for me today! Now they’ll have to come back down again for HOYS!” said Jeanette.
Fado Des Bosses was previously trained by Fergal O’Brien after costing £280,000 at the Cheltenham Sales and went on to win three chases.
Jeanette has owned him for around two-and-a-half years after first spotting him trotting across a field.
“My boss John King has horses in training with Fergal and Frado came to stay. I saw him trot across the field and decided I really wanted him. He was about to have his shoes back on and to be passed to a new owner. I did some hard bargaining, just don’t ask how, and managed to get him.”
Jeanette spent the 2024 season showing Frado in-hand and attending clinics before beginning his ridden showing career. Their Burghley success follows an impressive run, including Champion Racehorse and Champion Hunter at the Melplash Show and Reserve Champion Hunter at Moreton-in-Marsh the day before Burghley.
SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse organiser Nicolina MacKenzie said: “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.”
Jeanette and Fado Des Bosses will now head to HOYS after securing the class’s sole qualifying place.
