THERE was a 'Twist in the tail' at a recent national horse show when a 30-year-old gelding from Frodsham cantered into top spot.

Lovely Twist, ridden by Gill Craven, has become the oldest horse to qualify for the national veteran final of the Super Solvitax R-A Formula Veteran Horse & Pony of the Year Awards.

The former national hunt race horse qualified at the Delemere Forest Riding Club Open Show at Great Barrow in the ridden class.

A delighted Gill, from Weston Point, Runcorn, said: "I was over the moon to win the qualifier. Lovely Twist is nearly 30 years old and is remarkable for his age. Horses that usually win these competitions are aged 15 to 20.

"We are so proud of him and he still loves going out and performing."

Lovely Twist started life as a race horse, recording wins over hurdles and chasing. His most significant win was at Bangor-on-Dee in 1980 when he won a two-and-a-half mile chase by four lengths - beating, amongst others, Grand National winner Aldaniti.

Twist was also a winning point to pointer with the Cheshires. Since his 'retirement' Twist has competed, won and been placed in working, hunter and cross country equitation and dressage.

Gill said: "Twist currently enjoys hacking in Delemere Forest and occasionally schools with 11-year-old Keelie. He has also modelled for Workspace, the rug making charity.

"Twist has loads of friends and we affectionately call him Cary Grant because the name typifies his character - a lovely, elegant olde English gentleman!"

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