Chris Smith Takes the Top Spot in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes
Saturday 11 October 2025
Friday’s action got underway with the Grandstand Welcome Stakes, a two-phase competition that went to Chris Smith and Messarado Blue.
Chris, who is based near Manchester, secured a HOYS place via the International Wildcard qualifier, and he relished his opportunity to make an impression.
A total of 30 combinations ensured it was a busy start to the international schedule, with Chris and the 10-year-old bay mare delivering a dominant display.
Their jump-off time of 31.26 seconds left daylight between them and the rest of the field, with runner-up Laura Renwick 1.5 seconds behind on If Evers Girl and Adrian Whiteway taking third aboard Lana Del Rey.
“It’s a great experience going in that arena, and we bred the mare, so to win a class on a home-bred is great,” Chris said.
“She is naturally quick – she won the Speed Horse of the Year national qualifier – and she is better upping her pace, so I knew if I could be tight everywhere she is always there or thereabouts.
“As a kid, you grew up watching your idols at HOYS, and to be here competing and children looking up at you it’s great to be a bit of a role model and set a good example.”
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