Innehållsförteckning för 26-Jun-2025 från Horse & Hound

THOROUGHBREDS competing in five-star eventing are not at a disadvantage compared to other breeds – but there has been a drop in the number competing at top level. Researchers from Colorado State University and the University of Rhode Island published a paper in Animals, analysing data from 2014–2024 to understand the impact of breed on performance in top eventing. All CCI5* events were included. It was found that thoroughbreds accrued more dressage penalties than non-thoroughbreds. Across country, thoroughbreds were “significantly more likely” to jump clear inside the time; almost 14% had no crosscountry penalties, but nonthoroughbreds were twice as likely to showjump clear. “If we're going to be breed-biased we need data to back it up” CARLEIGH FEDORKA No impact of breed was noted in likelihood to complete or overall…

IT brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “rarer than rocking horse poo”. If you're the owner of the sort of horse that comes with one (wooden) leg rather than four, and you feel the whole experience is not quite as realistic as you'd like, fear not. Redpost Equestrian is selling actual hobby horse poo – and a scoop to pick it up with. The discerning owner can pick up the HKM Hobby Horse Horse Droppings set (five pieces, one size) for £9.95, “crafted from high-quality felt wool, designed to enhance imaginative play”. You can also get an HKM Hobby Horsing Stable Mate Poop Scoop, for £33.95; a wooden manure collector, broom and rake set that “teaches young horse fans how to handle their hobby horse responsibly in a…

ASHTON FARM Bishops Waltham, Southampton For you: a splendid six-bed home with a Georgian facade, dating back to the 17th century in the oldest parts. Highlights include the kitchen-diner featuring a Sub Zero fridge-freezer and a teppanyaki plate, a dining room featuring an old well, a games room, a gym and a swimming pool. For your horse: immaculate facilities, including a 20x60m indoor arena and a 25x45m outdoor arena, two lungeing pens and a brick-and-flint, eight-stable complex with a washdown box and solarium, on just shy of 19.5 acres. £6.75m Knight Frank, 01962 677234, knightfrank.co.uk SHIRLEY HOUSE Bransgore, Christchurch For you: a Grade II-listed home with seven bedrooms on the edge of the New Forest National Park and on the Hampshire border. Highlights include a cottage annex, large fireplaces, a…

AL SHIRA'AA HICKSTEAD DERBY MEETING Speed Derby MARK EDWARDS is the man to beat whenever he enters the ring, and he proved it once again when he and the fabulous Royale Tale won the Brilliance Horse Auction speed Derby on their first attempt. Mark and the home-bred 10-year-old jumped one of only two clears to clinch the title in 95.8sec, with Joe Whitaker (Icaterina) second in 103.63sec and Jess Hewitt (Hot Bluebird) just a fraction behind. Mark has enjoyed a purple patch of late; he and Flying Tinker II won on the opening day of the show, which came hot on the heels of Mark's clean sweep at the South of England. “She's naturally quick and a real winner,” said Mark, whose plan was to start in a good rhythm,…

AL SHIRA'AA HICKSTEAD DERBY MEETING National championships TREVOR BREEN made an “extra-special” winning Hickstead comeback riding Kannoon Blue to top the Astore & Sound 1.35m open championship, a year after his potentially career-ending fall. Trevor suffered fractures of his neck and back in Hamburg last May, but he showed he is back to his best as he and the nine-year-old home-bred, a half-brother of Trevor's European silver medal winner Highland President, beat Carmen Edwards and Vigo Cruz into second. “It's a bit more special because he's a home-bred, and myself, my wife Caroline and my father own him,” Trevor said. “He's a similar type, but he's probably not as difficult as Highland President. He has his own quirk but he's very talented. It was really easy today; he was very…

BACK TO BUSINESS FOR GINO F SANDY MCLEAN said his superstar gelding Gino F is feeling better than ever after an injury last summer sidelined him for seven months. The pair's superb performance over the weekend, including a win in the Andrew Black Memorial speed stakes, earned them the leading rider title. “He came back into work slowly in February, and up until now we've only done a few small shows to get him fit. This week we decided it was time for him to step back up again,” said Sandy. “He came back out and did his thing like he's never been off. He's ready to go and hopefully win some big classes again. It's the best feeling in the world.” FIFTH YEAR LUCKY FOR A YOUNG MASTER EMMA…

CAITHNESS-BASED Russell Skelton and James Munro's team dominated in the HOYS ridden hunters with their charges winning two of three weight classes, both section champion and reserve titles and overall reserve supreme hunter. Their star was Chloe Macdonald's six-year-old middleweight Edenagor Ned (pictured), an upstanding son of Scrapman who is still a relative novice having contested just three shows last year. “He was second here last season and the judge actually said that in 12 months he'll be champion here,” said Russell, who stepped in to ride Chloe's victorious lightweight and eventual ridden reserve Origis Pw – a six-year-old by Ulysses – in the championship while James stayed on Edenagor Ned. Russell added: “I did my best to beat James in the championship but it wasn't to be! We're now…

ROYAL THREE COUNTIES 13–15 June Royal Three Counties, Three Counties Showground, Worcs DESPITE tearing his hamstring at Midland Counties, Ian Boylan wasn't prepared to be defeated in the Price Family supreme in-hand championship here as he led Jill Whittaker's Dakiora Royale to the title, securing their spot in the Birmingham final. The three-year-old bay inhand riding horse champion is by Kataro out of Raphaela JBH and, although shown lightly in 2024, she stood champion at the British Show Horse Association championships. She was led by Ian Boylan's team-mate Sophie Clohessy in her initial class and the championship before Ian took over for the supreme. “I collapsed in the ring with a hamstring tear at Midland Counties and Sophie had to come in to take over while I was carted off,”…

HAVANA HURRICANE was bought for just 9,000 guineas, but rewarded his owners, Jonny Allison and Tom Cartwright, with a courageous victory in Wednesday's 5f Listed Windsor Castle Stakes under Charlie Bishop (pictured, pale pink silks). “I said to the owners, win lose or draw, you have made more than that already and you're here to play,” said trainer Eve Johnson Houghton, who paid tribute to her late father, Fulke. Bishop, riding his third Royal Ascot winner, said: “Eve is magic at buying these horses and training them. She does all the hard work, while I just do the steering. Fulke was amazing to all of us and this one is for him.”…

HIGHLIGHTS 9–15 June HAVE YOU WON A BD CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email dressagehighlights@yahoo.com within 24 hours of your win for a chance to feature on these pages BD Young Horse and Pony Qualifier, Kingswood EC, Staffs “HE is a goey horse, but in the medium canter he found another gear,” said Rob Barker of Kilian's Bartholomew, whose bold performance earned 88.4% for a win in the six-year-olds. “He has an amazing hindleg and a super mindset. He offers so much.” Known as “Boris”, Christine Kirk's low-mileage Baron gelding has impressed Rob with his enthusiastic but gentlemanly approach. “He's a nice, easy chap to have around and he wants to work,” said Rob. “We're keeping his routine varied, with polework and water treadmill sessions,…

HOMEWORK is paying dividends for Hannah de Wit, 18, who headed the pick-a-test class with Christianson at Hartpury University, Gloucestershire. The pair performed a junior team test as a practice run for Vale View Premier League (report, p72). “In winter I was riding with the handbrake on,” said Hannah, who teamed up with 18-year-old “Sonny” last August and trains with Katie Bailey. “I've been working on trying to ride the power and we're starting to see the results. “Sonny is a willing horse and a quick thinker,” added Hannah. “There are certain things he questions, and you have to support him through, but he's been the perfect step up.” ONES TO WATCH…

HIGHLIGHTS 13–16 June DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS PAGE? HAVE YOU WON A CLASS? Email jennifer.donald@futurenet.com within 24 hours of your event and please include a contact telephone number Weston Lawns Summer Spectacular, Warks HOLLY SMITH and Sing Z presided over the Redpost Equestrian Foxhunter second round by almost 10 seconds, after all bar one other of the nine jump-off contenders failed to produce a clear. Holly posted a solid pathfinder round on Su and Gordon Hall's seven-year-old, who already had both talent seekers and grade C Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualification in the bag, forcing the majority of the field to fault in pursuit. A steady clear from Tatiane Mauree and 11-year-old Jantuscha took reserve after strong bids from Lauren Roach (Louisiana-S), Leo Lamb (Nalani…

TYRONE took himself to the Wilton. He was bought from the Beaufort in 2016 to be the huntsman's horse after he proved much too keen for the field: “As soon as he's in front with hounds, he is happy,” says Guy Loader, the fifth Wilton huntsman to ride him across the rolling Dorset countryside, having taken up the horn in 2023. “He was unsure when he first saw them, but now he loves, loves, loves them!” Jumping is the little bay's forte: “We think he was bred to showjump and it's best to leave him to it when jumping out hunting, he knows what he's doing,” says Guy. “As soon as he's in front with hounds, he is happy” WILTON HUNTSMAN GUY LOADER “We were told when he arrived that if…

“IT was probably one of the best days of my life,” says Fields Wicker-Miurin, recalling the moment last spring when she heard she'd landed the job as British Equestrian (BEF) chair. “The privilege to contribute what I've learned over my life and my passion, to something I really believe in… it's extraordinary. Most people don't get that chance in life.” Fields’ 30-plus year career has mainly been in financial services, including director of finance and strategy at the London Stock Exchange. She has served on boards of banks and corporations across the world, in government, arts bodies and universities, and has helped establish global social enterprise Leaders’ Quest, which focuses on responsible leadership. Running parallel to her professional life is an unwavering love of horses. These days, she enjoys dressage…

MRI is a specific form of imaging that over the past 10 to 20 years has become more and more popular. It is now routinely used to help diagnose a variety of different diseases and injuries in horses. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. HOW DOES MRI WORK? MRI is non-invasive; that is, nothing is physically introduced into the body (no needles, for example). A special coil is placed around the part of the body being imaged, which is then put into a strong magnetic field. This magnetic field causes all the hydrogen atoms in that part of the body to align in the same direction. Radio waves are…

AL SHIRA'AA HICKSTEAD DERBY MEETING CSI4* classes GUY WILLIAMS had a superb win in the Agria Hickstead Derby trial, on a horse he'd had for only two weeks – and came joint-second on a horse he'd had six weeks. As far as suspense-filled jump-offs go, this one would not make the top 10, as there was only one combination in it. Guy had jumped clear with Crumbgraft and BH Gringos Legacy, and as the only other clear, last year's third-placed Derby combination Carlos Mota Ribas and Juan Van'T Arkelhof, elected not to jump-off, Guy just had to go in it to win. He chose to only ride Claudio Zapata Sutcliffe's 10-year-old gelding Crumbgraft, who tipped the first part of the combination and the last oxer but the super-scopey grey looked…

IT was a good first trip to England – and first attempt at jumping on grass – for 16-year-old Mabkhout Alkarbi, who landed the Fly Free 1.25m open final with Casscalina Z (pictured), and the Doney Championship with Harry 233, both owned by Al Shira'aa Farms. The UAE rider had an unusual start to his riding career – on racing camels. “I won three or four races, and won cars, but my brother got them as I'm not old enough to drive,” he said. “Then I started jumping, about 1.10m/1.20m, and now my brother likes the camels – but I prefer horses!” FIRST HICKSTEAD…

ROYAL HIGHLAND 19–22 June Edited by Bethan Simons bethan.simons@futurenet.com Royal Highland, The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh A HIGHLAND gelding dazzled multiple judges on his home turf to win two major ridden championships. Inverness-based Katie Common and her own Dunedin Mascot began their 2025 Royal Highland campaign by winning the exceeding 143cm ridden Highland class for a record fourth time and scooping the section crown. “Scottie”, who is a son of Dunedin Marksman and was bred by Anne Mitchell, thrived in his “favourite” ring, working foot-perfectly for ride judge Louise Allan. “He performed beautifully and was a total showman,” said Louise. “He sparkled and gave me a forward and light ride. His championship gallop was something else. He was also clearly enjoying his job.” On the final day of the show,…

A HOME-PRODUCED Welsh section A produced a dream win in the HOYS M&M junior ridden championship for his nine-year-old rider. Jemima Makin-Jones and her mother Annabel's 11-year-old Wernderris Charlie Fox were picture-perfect to add this ticket to a HOYS first ridden pass that they won at Derbyshire Festival. The result was a sweet reward for Charlie's connections as he missed last season owing to a suspensory ligament and annular injury picked up while out eventing. Annabel said: “We were gutted; he is our pride and joy. We brought him back into work very slowly and we have started with flat classes this year.” AGAINST THE ODDS Jemima and Charlie are also bound for the RIHS in three classes. Annabel added: “He's the dreamiest pony and we are very lucky to…

NPS Area 28 Summer Show, United Counties Showground, Carmarthenshire IT was a lucky last-minute decision to stay for the supreme for Rebecca Lamb and homebred Becklam Amoura (Nora), who took the title here. Owned by Yorkshire-based Henry and Poppy Newitt, the three-year-old Welsh part-bred had already stood breed and overall Welsh champion. She is by Monahawk Real Magic out of Lyndell Andorra. “She didn't miss a beat all day. I'm very proud to have bred her,” said Rebecca of Nora, who has returned to Rebecca this term to further her education. Nora was shown by Rebecca as a yearling, clocking up 11 wins and a clutch of championship placings from 10 shows including the winter and summer Royal Welsh fixtures. Julie Taylor's Welsh section D Dolderwydd Jim delighted his connections,…

AUSSIE JOCKEY WINS ON ROYAL ASCOT DEBUT THE loudest celebrations came from a syndicate of Australian owners, OTI Racing, after their country's leading jockey, Mark Zahra, won the Group One Queen Anne Stakes on the Harry Eustace-trained Docklands (pictured, striped silks). He beat favourite Rosallion by a nose. “What an amazing feeling,” said the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey. “One of the top days of my career for sure. The horse is English, but you'd have thought he was Aussie by all the screams.”…

DESPITE not making it to Royal Ascot during a stellar career on the Flat, eight-time winner Capricorn Prince made a starring appearance at this year's meeting. After retiring from the track last year, the Gary Moore-trained nine-year-old joined the British Racing School (BRS) and has become a very popular training racehorse. But this year, with BRS coach Lydia de Souza riding, the chestnut gelding played a pivotal role in accompanying some of this year's Royal Ascot's international runners – including Asfoora and Lennilu – to the start. Lydia described the experience as “a privilege”. “I am so excited to be riding Capricorn Prince at Royal Ascot, it feels completely surreal,” she said. “He's absolutely adored by everyone at the school and it's an unforgettable experience.”…

BECKY MOODY had an uncontested win in Sunday's inter II but was pleased to score over 71% with Jack Diamond, who has not competed for almost a year. “First, he had a minor injury that put him out of the nationals and then had quite extensive dental work,” said Becky. “He had deep cavities and some fractures, so he had two operations. Although you wouldn't have known he had anything wrong, it could've been detrimental to his mouth stability.” ONE TO WATCH She added: “He's phenomenally talented, and now needs match practice as there's so much more to come.”…

Waterland Equine Vets Oxstalls (2), Glos JOSIE DIX steered Gillian Bulmer's former three-star campaigner, Rusticoats, to victory in BE105 section P. “He came to our yard as a rehab livery to recover from a deep digital flexor tendon injury and Gilly kindly let me keep the ride,” explained Josie, who is based with Kat Raybould at Venture Sport Horses in south Wales and credits regular sessions on the water treadmill for keeping Rusticoats fit. “It's the reason he's stayed sound. He goes on it most days, especially while the ground has been hard.” Josie admitted to being surprised to win, having twice gone wrong in her dressage test. “First I forgot to halt and then I forgot to salute – I was probably lucky not to be eliminated,” she smiled.…

Summer pony premier, Coombelands Equestrian, W Sussex LOLA THULBORN was “on cloud nine” after qualifying for both the newcomers and Foxhunter finals with the talented seven-yearold Fabreeker V, delivering commanding victories in both second rounds. Lola dominated a 12-strong jump-off in the Blue Chip pony newcomers, before clocking the fastest of just three treble clears in the STX-UK pony Foxhunter. “The Foxhunter was a decent height and a tricky track. It caught out more people than I expected,” said Lola, who beat Holly Coward-Talbot (Lottea III). “The newcomers rode really nicely although it also had tricky lines,” added Lola, who finished ahead of Gabriella Douglas (Farravaune Shannen) in this qualifier. “He covers the ground really well and is quick in the air.” Lola has been riding Joanne and Remi Bell's…

Who was your first pony? That was Kelly, a 10.2hh strawberry roan. I got her when she was four – and so was I – while we were living in Scotland. We grew up together. She was incredible, and after being with me, she became the perfect first pony for lots of other kids we knew. What do you eat for breakfast? It varies. Most mornings I'm rushing – feeding the dogs, grabbing something quick, and heading out to ride. Usually it's just toast with jam or banana. But when I have time off, I love having eggs, avocado and halloumi on toast. Your weirdest superstition? I'm not very superstitious, but my groom, Kim Masson, once gave me socks with my dog Noodle on them – and now I wear…

THERE is growing demand for a digital equine passport system across Europe – as “this is about more than sport”. On 4 June, stakeholders from organisations including the FEI, World Horse Welfare, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) met at the European Parliament to discuss revision of EU animal health law. The European Commission is evaluating whether the law, which covers equine ID, is still fit for purpose; a decision on whether to update it is due in 2026. Jessica Stark, World Horse Welfare director of communications and public affairs, told H&H: “We must grab this opportunity to make equine identification across Europe fit for purpose. “The meeting showed there is huge support for this change across the European horse world, all calling for a digitalfirst…

BRITISH course-designer and event organiser Alec Lochore is “humbled, honoured and delighted” to be appointed as cross-country course-designer for the 2028 Olympics. Mr Lochore, who organises international events and is an FEI level four designer and technical delegate, was chosen at the June FEI board meeting. Fellow Brit Mike EtheringtonSmith will be course advisor. “I am humbled, honoured and delighted to have been asked to design the crosscountry track,” Mr Lochore said. “It will be a great challenge, and one I am looking forward to immensely. “I'm fortunate to have been involved in organising and planning several Olympics and each is unique and special. The Olympics is the biggest showcase any sport has, and to be chosen as course-designer is very exciting.” The FEI said Mr Lochore “brings a distinctive…

ANALYSIS of the equestrian industry shows the challenges it is facing – and the resilience with which it is meeting them. British Equestrian (BEF) has published its 2024 “State of the nation” report, a “comprehensive analysis of the UK equestrian landscape”. “Drawing on research and data from British Equestrian, our member bodies, industry partners and national statistics, the report is used to track trends, highlight challenges and shape strategic plans and projects to support a sustainable and inclusive future for the equestrian sector,” a BEF spokesperson said. “Insight gives us the foundation to take meaningful action” MANDANA MEHRAN POUR “The 2024 report builds on last year's inaugural edition and reflects on progress, as well as drawing attention to opportunities for development to improve sustainability, resilience and inclusion.” The report found…

CONDITIONS commonly identified by standing MRI of the foot, pastern and fetlock in competition and pleasure horses are: ● deep digital flexor tendon damage ● navicular disease (pictured, left) ● navicular bursitis ● damage to the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint ● subchondral bone damage ● osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint), proximal interphalangeal joint (pastern joint) and metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock joint) ● bone bruises ● hoof wall lesions (such as keratoma) ● pedal bone fractures…

THE only way to make a small fortune in horses is to start with a big one, so the saying goes. But breeze-up sales might just offer a loophole. The average sale price for the two-yearolds at Tattersalls’ Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April was 158,017 guineas (see box, overleaf); nearly twice what the top 10 of these were sold for as yearlings. The Craven Sales topper was knocked down for a record 1.75m gn, a mark-up of more than 3,000% from his purchase price as a foal. Yet the agents writing these millionguinea cheques see the risk as all sitting on the vendors’ shoulders. “You have to give a lot of credit to the people who are purchasing and producing these horses,” says Jamie McCalmont, who paid 500,000gn for a…

SHANE BREEN'S 2022 Derby winner Can Ya Makan was officially retired just before the 2025 competition, with a fitting ceremony in the International Arena. Shane and Team Z7's superstar stallion, who has excelled in everything from speed classes to Nations Cups, had one last canter around the famous ring, then the 19-year-old's saddle was removed, and a garland put around his neck. “He definitely doesn't think he should retire; as we went round just now, he spotted the jumps and was pulling me towards them!” Shane said. “He's been the horse of a lifetime; he did it all and he did it with a smile on his face. I'm so grateful to Team Z7 for trusting me to have such an amazing horse, and we look forward to seeing some…

SHANE BREEN thinks BP Arctic Blue (pictured, above), with whom he swiped the Clipmyhorse.tv Master's trophy from under his brother Trevor's nose, is going to be one of the very best horses he's had. He spotted the son of A Pikachu De Muze as a five-year-old, then he and his wife Chloe bought him at the end of 2023. “I always thought he looked like a dream horse,” he said. “I produced him quietly last year, and this year he's been amazing; he's jumped six grands prix, won one, second in four and third. He's an absolute pleasure. “He's super-smart and a great character, and he gives me everything; you can feel his whole body, like an elastic band. And all he wants is a few Polos and cuddles.” Trevor…

ROYAL HIGHLAND 19–22 June Royal Highland, The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh TIGHT turns and a mare full of heart landed James Smith his second Royal Highland grand prix title, nine years after first taking the honours. “Every time she goes in the ring she gives it her everything,” said James of Thomas Carruthers’ talented 11-year-old Juno Rose 23. Mark McGowan's track for the Coutts-sponsored class resulted in six combinations from 18 returning for a thrilling jump-off in Ingliston's iconic main arena. Penultimate pair Sandy McLean and the exciting eight-year-old SES Jumeirah nipped the lead from reigning national champions Rebecca Marsh and Stevie G with a bold approach to the final line, stopping the clock on 48.02sec. The time looked unsurpassable, but Juno Rose flexed her ability in the turnbacks, and…

SHOWJUMPER Brodie Beveridge showcased her talents over rustic fences to bag her firstever HOYS pass in working hunter ranks on her own 12-year-old Millburren Star (pictured). The classy Cobra daughter produced one of just two clears from over 30 pre-entries. Star was bought from Ireland four years ago and Brodie jumps her to 1.20m. “She's the right type for workers so about three years ago we decided to give it go,” said Brodie, who runs a livery yard in Dunbar with her mother, Marie Wilson, and is also a singer who performs at weddings and events. “Nothing fazes her,” added Brodie, whose last Birmingham ride was aged 12 on 138cm showjumping ponies. Horse Scotland squad member Brodie's only aim for this year's Highland appearance was to stay in the saddle:…

HIGHLIGHTS 9–15 June HAVE YOU HAD A NOTABLE WIN IN THE SHOW RING? Email bethan.simons@futurenet.com within 24 hours of the show for your chance to appear in this section Aberystwyth and Ceredigion County, Gelli Angharad Fields ARDENHALL ELLENISIA sparkled in the overall supreme to take the title despite the grey skies overhead. The 10-year-old riding pony mare won the Welsh part-bred and supreme under 148cm in-hand en route to the overall accolade, shown throughout by Jon Hughes-Jones, who co-owns her with his wife Cath, and her sister Debbie Thomas. “She's a lovely mare to have around and we've had a lot of fun showing her in-hand,” said Jon of the 2024 National Welsh Championships title-holder. Bred by Jane May, Ellenisia is by Strinesdale Matador and out of Ardenhall Champagne, who…

SCOTTISH trainer Jim Goldie saddled his first Royal Ascot winner with Washington DC-sired sprinter American Affair (Paul Mulrennan, striped silks) in Tuesday's Group One King Charles III Stakes. The five-year-old is the thirdgeneration gelding he's trained, with grand-sire Orientor also winning at the track. “American Affair is probably the only horse here with a Glasgow postcode in his passport!” said winning part-owner and breeder John McGrandles, who keeps his mares at home. “We have another mare by Orientor and she's gone back to Washington DC, just hoping we might do it again.” IN THE GENES…

Wellington CPEDI, Hants JUST three months into their partnership and after a long period out of the saddle, Paralympian Suzanna Hext and Jenny Paling's Inferno (Davino x Jazz) claimed victory in the made their mark in the CPEDI3* grade II, winning the grand prix A with 72.59%. “I've not stopped smiling and feel so incredibly lucky to be out and competing again after what's been a very tough period post-Paris with ongoing post-concussion syndrome,” Suzanna said. Five months pregnant and with her wedding on the horizon, Suzanna is stepping back from competition for now. “I've not stopped smiling and feel so lucky” SUZANNA HEXT Several pairs gave the selectors for this summer's European Championships food for thought. Rising stars Laura Scott (Cei Summer Days) and Alice Begg (Nalique) pulled off a…