He’s Pegasus over the fences and a “full-on joker”. Jennifer Donald meets the Gold Cup contender bidding to help his devoted jockey make history
Frodon’s trainer Paul Nicholls
“Frodon’s first race for us was as a four-year-old and he won a good juvenile hurdle at Haydock second time out. But he wasn’t anything to look at. He’s not big, so when he first arrived he looked like a rabbit. But obviously he matured, strengthened up and filled out. He has a lot of class and, as he’s got older, he’s got more stamina. He jumps great and has the will to win. He’s an amazing horse, absolutely astonishing in fact.
“He’s mad-fresh and comes out of his box with his tail in the air, so he needs plenty of work – he literally cannot do enough. And he’s a real character. He squeals the whole time he’s out, setting the entire string off most of the time. Even after he won the Ryanair, he was still squealing in the veterinary box afterwards. He loves everything he does. He’s just one of those happy, enthusiastic horses.
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
