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‘I thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime thing’: three-year-old filly follows in dam’s footsteps to stand HOYS Shire of the year

Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

    • Knutsford Monte-Carlo provided handler Thomas Whittaker with a welcome surprise win when the pair landed the Shire of the year title, supported by the Shire Horse Society, at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

    Known as Monte at home, the three year-old-filly contended just one qualifier this time, the final one at Penistone Agricultural Show in September.

    “It was never the plan to bring her here this season because we didn’t think she was ready really,” explained Thomas. “We just said we’d enter the last qualifier three weeks ago and she qualified, and now here we are.”

    Whether it was their plan or not, Monte shone in the arena and lapped up the unique atmosphere.

    “She just loves to go,” said Thomas. “She takes a fair bit of holding.”

    Monte was bred by Thomas and his father John Whittaker. She is by Fellthorpe Fascinator, out of St Giles Morgana, who John showed to win HOYS in 2018.

    John said: “I thought when I won here seven years ago with her dam, it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I never expected we’d do it again with her daughter. It’s super.”

    Taking the runner-up spot for the HOYS Shire of the year title and blue rosette was Joe Gladden handling Acle Celebration.

    “She’s always the bridesmaid, never the bride,” said Joe. But he said the nine-year-old mare had qualified for HOYS every year since she was a two-year-old.

    She’s also bred winners. “Her colt foal won last year at the Shire foal show,” he explained.

    The Metheringham Upton Hamlet mare is out of Acle Annabelle. She was bred by Bryan Banham, and was one of four qualified for this prestigious final bearing Bryan’s Acle prefix, a remarkable feat in itself. She was joined by Acle Carousel, Acle Lilibet and Acle Melissa. Each contender is out of a different Acle mare, which is surely a testament to their breeding.

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    Bethan Simons
    Bethan Simons

    H&H showing editor
    Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
    Bethan Simons

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