Once in the care of Colin Tizzard, Wosayu's visit to Exeter Racecourse on the 6th of October is bound to be very different to his last. The ex racehorse has left his hurdling days behind him and is now enjoying life with new rider Kelly Hopgood.

“I could talk about Harry (Wosayu) all day, “says Kelly Hopgood who bought the ten-year-old two years ago via Facebook.

Wosayu’s racing career was relatively short. Trained by Colin Tizzard, he raced 11 times, including twice at Exeter winning £754 in prize money. With racing clearly not his forte, he was turned away for 18 months, until the decision was made to sell him. “It was love at first sight,” says Kelly who took him to a jumping clinic six days after she bought him. “He’s so quiet, he’s an absolute sweet heart.”

Having always owned part bred thoroughbreds, it was the first time Kelly has owned the full bred version and she says there’s no turning back. Showing, eventing, showjumping, pleasure rides, clinics, he can turn his hand to anything, except hunting.

“He doesn’t like hunting at all. He just stands there and watches everyone else leave,” says Kelly continuing, “I might try him again this winter, but he’s not bothered by it at all. He’d far rather be pampered for the show ring. He’s also getting good at dressage, because he knows he gets to jump afterwards if he’s at a one day event.”

At the weekend Harry was flying around a hunter trial course at Bricky, and this winter he’ll be showjumping and taking part in clinics. The ultimate aim is to progress up the unaffiliated eventing ladder.“He’s been placed in everything he does and has shown at Melplash, Yeovil and Dorset County,” says Kelly who is a full time groom for Lucille Palmer and has three children and a husband too.

Kelly is adamant her next horse will be a thoroughbred too. “They are just wonderful. I never thought I’d get one until Harry, and now there is no turning back. I’d urge anyone thinking of getting a horse to consider an ex-racehorse,” she says.

Wosayu

Owner: Kelly Hopgood                                                  Stable name: Harry

Age: 10                                                                     Height: 16.2hh

                                Colour: Bay                                                           Favourite pastime: Being pampered!

Former trainer: Colin Tizzard                                         Form: 6000/033P/0/64/