This special horse was the start of an incredible story.
Doug was bought on Holly and Graham’s first trip to Goresbridge Horse Sales in an attempt to raise the quality of the trade horses they had for sale. He was bought as a lightly backed 4yo for €5,800.00. His talent and the partnership between Doug and Holly quickly became obvious. Despite offers at nearly every show they attended along the journey, we took the decision to let the dream carry on through as far as the partnership could go.
In a whirlwind 6 years, despite Holly never having competed above 1.20 level previously, he and Holly progressed straight through to 5* Nations Level. Despite a few obstacles along the way, including the birth of Holly and Graham’s daughter Rosie and a terrible leg break for Holly. Doug won all the way through his career before being sold for €1.4m as a 10yo.
Doug was a special horse, the type many of us dream of. I cannot thank him enough for everything he did to help my career and he truly deserves the wonderful home he has with Katherine Dinan in the USA, who loves him equally as much as I did.
Thank you Dougie.