Rare ‘pearl’ foal could be golden child

News Reporter

THESE adorable pictures show what is believed to be Britain’s first “double pearl” baby foal taking his first steps.

Pearl is one of the rarest colour traits in horses, with a “single pearl” giving a beautiful pale golden colour.

A much rarer “double pearl” is created when the pearl gene is passed on from both parents, and results in a deep golden coat in adulthood.

This Spanish colt foal – which is yet to be named – was born to a single pearl mother and a double pearl father.

Judging by its colour at birth, experienced breeder Sarah Sutton believes it has inherited both genes and is therefore the UK’s first double pearl.

She has sent a lock of the colt’s hair to be DNA tested. Sarah, 45, who runs Orchid Stud near Yeovil, Somerset, said: “It’s just such a great thing to happen amongst the gloom in the news.

“I sent his hair for a DNA test to see whether he is a double pearl which is very, very rare.

“He’s at least a single pearl which means he’ll have a lovely golden coat.

“If I’m not watching the news I’m watching him on a camera.

“I haven’t given him a name yet but I want something related to gold.”

The foal, seen with his seven-year-old mother Hidalga, was born on March 11.