Christmas jumpers: Scott pair school over festive wrapping paper at Wincanton

There was a new take on Christmas jumpers on Monday when two Jeremy Scott-trained horses took on an obstacle covered in red reindeer wrapping paper to promote Wincanton's fixture on Boxing Day.

The big meetings in Britain and Ireland on December 26 are on the horizon and Somerset trainer Scott, along with jockeys Nick Scholfield and Emily Jones, was happy to enter into the Christmas spirit.

Emily Jones on Garrane (left) pictured with Nick Scholfield and Native Robin

Scott said: "We did think the horses would look at the obstacle and think it was the most extraordinary thing, and refuse to jump it, but they jumped straight over it and didn’t bat an eyelid."

Recent research by Exeter University has shown that other colours besides orange, which is currently used on hurdle frames, fence take-off boards and guard rails, could be more effective.

A trial using fluorescent yellow for all hurdles and guard-rails and fluorescent white for take-off boards at fences has been approved, and Scott joked: “Perhaps all fences should be wrapped on Boxing Day! It would look fantastic and all the horses would jump incredibly well!”

Read more about colours affecting equine vision

The aptly named Native Robin, partnered by Scholfield, was joined by stablemate Garrane, ridden by Jones, in the schooling session with both riders wearing Christmas jumpers.

Wincanton's last meeting before its Boxing Day fixture is this Thursday.

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