Blue Sandgroper | Darling Boy Gropey

Owned throughout his racing career by Darling View Thoroughbreds, Blue Sandgroper began racing in early 2018. This Patronize gelding, trained by David Harrison for several starts, claimed his first and final win at Pinjarra in mid-2019 before retiring a few months later. ‘Gropey’ retired with total earnings of $16,405, returning to the Mundijong based breeding property where he spelled and was beloved.

A staff favourite at the Darling View property, Gropey enjoyed a few years at the property amongst the broodmares before being rehomed to Harriet Forrest in 2022. Having a friend who worked at the property, Harriet was suggested as a potential home for Gropey. Moving up from ponies, Harriet was searching for something larger to continue her riding pursuits with and when asked what attracted her to a thoroughbred gelding, Harriet commented, “We were looking for something bigger, but mostly, because of seeing how much potential and how trainable a good thoroughbred can be after watching many of my friends take them up the levels.”

Harriet took on Gropey and began retraining the gelding towards an eventing career. Despite his easy-going nature, Harriet chose to take things steady and worked to ensure Gropey had strong established basics before pushing further. Harriet describes Gropey as ‘the most loving horse’ and a beloved companion. Harriet attributes his fast learning, highly trainable and intelligent brain, and loveable nature to their successful partnership.

Together, Harriet and Gropey have become strong partners in eventing and jumping arenas. While they have claimed many accomplishments, Harriet fondly recalled winning the OTT Young Event Horse class at the 2023 Young Horse Championships as their greatest achievement so far. They aim to establish their elementary dressage movements and fine tune their jumping, with the ultimate goal to compete at Melbourne and Adelaide International Three-Day Events.

OTTWA wish Gropey and Harriet all the best for their future together!

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