WHEN Dorsetbased event and dressage rider Ben Liles was sent the thoroughbred Finch Fancy (Frenchie) for a two-week schooling stint, he didn't want to send her home. The mare had been lightly raced on the Flat by Harriet Brown and had been sent to Ben to improve her confidence over fences ahead of her hurdle debut.
“The first time I jumped her, I thought, ‘Bl***y hell, this has some pop,’” recalls Ben. “I mentioned to Harriet that should she ever want to move her out of racing, then she was to give me a shout. Two weeks later, she took me up on that offer.”
This was at the back end of 2018 and Ben has since produced the Arvico daughter, whom he now co-owns with Charlie Ainsworth, up the eventing levels. In July, she stepped up to her first fourstar after several consistent three-star performances.
“She's sharp and not everyone's cup of tea to ride, but
