New British-bred horse for Olympics showjumper Holly

OLYMPIAN Holly Smith is set to ride young homebred stallion, Churchill III, in what is being described as an exciting development for British showjumping and the British sport horse breeding industry.

Holly, 32, who is based at Wymeswold, said she was looking forward to working with the handsome jet-black four-year-old from The Gemini Stud, located near Melton.

Churchill III, left, is a grandson of Christian 25, who represented Team GB at Nations Cup level with Jamie Gornall.

The stallion’s sire line also benefits from the legendary Olympic showjumper Carthago Z and also shares damline breeding with Santano II, team bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Churchill III has already been used by mare owners in Europe and the UK, and his semen is available for export to Europe and Ireland, with his first foals to be born this year.

Georgie Belton, founder of The Gemini Stud, said: “We are delighted that Holly will be riding for us in 2022.

“She is an extremely talented rider whose career to date has been outstanding.

“Churchill has an exceptionally balanced, uphill canter and outstanding bascule over a fence, and we can’t wait to see how this lovely young horse progresses. “The Gemini Stud is especially keen to support British riders who are based in the UK.

“As recent Olympic results demonstrate, Britain is better positioned than ever to breed and produce international showjumpers and to support British riders.”

Holly, left, who was part of Great Britain’s showjumping team at the Tokyo Olympics, said: “I am looking forward to working with Churchill III and The Gemini Stud. “Being able to breed, produce and retain the rides on horses bred in the UK is so important for the development of all horse sports in this country.”