Standards are on the rise

A Bannockburn race track was the venue for an equine event that saw funds raised towards a future race.

The Standardbred Horse Show took place last Saturday at Corbiewood Stadium racetrack.

Standardbred horses are commonly used in harness racing and are popular in America.

It was the first show held at Corbiewood and the first locally dedicated to the breed.

The event proved to be a success with a good turnout.

There was a mix of horses who were Standardbreds that had never raced, former racehorses,‘golden oldies’– horses over 15 years old – as well as current racehorses.

Rosettes were given to those placed first to third in each of the six classes.

The overall champion on the day was ‘Over the Hedge’and the reserve champion was‘Ayr Escape’.

Organiser Kelly Fitzpatrick said:“It was to show how versatile Standardbred horses can be. We had the horses doing jumps.

“The horses tend to go on and do almost anything, including dressage and cross country.

“People tend to back away from Standardbreds because they pace rather than gallop.

“That can put some folk off them, but they are great horses.”

They even managed to raise £350 which will go towards sponsoring a race at Corbiewood this season. ‘Golden Oldies’winner Storm Control and rider Gemma Dixon tackle the jumps

In action

Success Horse owner Michael O’Neil and reserve champion, Ayr Escape, are joined by the overall champion. ‘Over the Hedge’ and rider Aiva Dickie.

Golden Oldie Storm Control, ridden by Gemma Dixon, won the class for horses over 15 years old.

All smiles Rider Aiva Dickie can’t hide her delight aboard champion Over the Hedge

In line The horses and riders of the Ridden class performed for the crowd